Waneka is always filled with surprises. Some are accessible and hold still, other appear and then vanish before I can hit the shutter. That’s my excuse for missing the picture of a macaw riding on someones shoulder as the walker circled the lake.

The Continental Divide In The Background Over Lake Waneka.

Longs Peak, the crown jewel of Colorado’s Front Range, transforms into a sublime masterpiece after a heavy snow. Rising to 14,259 feet, 4,350 meters,  its jagged profile becomes cloaked in pristine white, turning it into a striking contrast against the deep blue of the winter sky. The Keyhole Route, a summer favorite for climbers, lies buried under treacherous ice and snow, offering a reminder of the mountain’s dual nature: inviting yet unforgiving.

Longs Peak Is Boulder’s constant overwatcher, never looking the same.From the nearby town of Estes Park, Longs Peak commands attention. Its newly frosted summit gleams like a beacon in the morning light, while the surrounding pine forests wear a heavy mantle of snow. The alpine tundra, now hidden beneath thick drifts, lies silent, as if nature itself has paused to admire the scene. The Diamond Face, a sheer 1,000-foot wall of granite, looks more formidable than ever, its icy veneer shimmering in the sunlight.

Wildlife in the area adapts quickly to the change. Elk forage in the lower valleys, their warm breath visible in the crisp air. High above, mountain goats navigate the treacherous slopes with ease, their thick coats blending seamlessly with the snow-covered landscape.

For hikers and adventurers, the snow signals the need for caution and preparation. Winter ascents of Longs Peak demand technical expertise, proper equipment, and a respect for the mountain’s unpredictable weather. Avalanches are a constant threat, and the winds howl fiercely across the exposed ridges.

Despite the dangers, the sight of Longs Peak after a heavy snow is awe-inspiring. It stands as a testament to nature’s raw beauty and power, drawing the gaze of onlookers and the hearts of those who dare to explore its icy heights. The snow transforms the peak, but its allure remains timeless.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• 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.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• 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
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• 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.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com