Return to Wheeler Peak

We return two years later to find our campsite waiting for us.Campsite #23–a heavenly spot surrounded by towering pines and (this time) golden aspens–backs up to a lovely open area that is perfect for cloud watching and stargazing. Beyond the meadow rises the mountain, Wheeler Peak.At a little over 13,000 ft., it towers impressively in the background of our camp’s viewshed. It’s not close enough to be intimidating, just near enough to invite us onward and upward towards the sky. We cannot forget that it is there.

Our camp site sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet or so. After a scenic drive up from the Visitors’ Center, and a quick stop to buy firewood–thank you, Chuck–we have set up the tent on a soft bed of dirt and pine needles

and are now proceeding to sort the rest of the gear. The solitary peacefulness of the places settles upon us at once. Soft, distant voices of other campers float our way on the breeze, but we are effectively alone.

The voice-carrying breeze also rustles the leaves of the aspens, providing the perfect soundtrack for our stay. Rustling aspen leaves rival ocean waves for producing a great sense of calm and restfulness. As I sit writing this, I feel like I could be happy here forever. 

Soon, I notice other noises accompanying the aspens. A large curious fly buzzes around and around our site, apparently searching for something. Whatever it is, I seem to have it. In the pine trees, a nuthatch calls to another more-distant nuthatch. He (or she) has a beautiful reddish breast, unlike the white-breasted variety back home. After finishing their conversation, “our” nuthatch proceeds to run down the tree, head-first, as they do, and then up again, stopping briefly along the way to peck at the bark in search of insects. Other birds fly in and flit and sing among the branches. I can’t identify these, but I certainly appreciate their welcome!

Soon after getting things set up, another visitor arrived to check us out. Similar to our chipmunks, this cute little golden-mantled ground squirrel emerged from under the log “bench” and quickly surveyed the entire camp, scouting for trail mix, no doubt. Not having any luck, he scampered away, probably muttering to himself about visitors that just drop in uninvited without bringing food.

Speaking of food, here’s Joe getting the stove fired up to cook dinner. Our camp site is now truly our “home away from home” complete with clothesline, kitchen, and dining/writing area. Spongebob and Patrick? Oh, they’ve been my traveling companions for many years. 🙂