Saturday, August 1, 2020

Loveland Cemetery, Loveland Colorado

Fold her, O Father, in thine arms,
And let her henceforth be
A messenger of love between
Our human hearts and Thee

Cemetery date back to the 1800s and are rich in early Larimer County pioneering family history.

The 47-acre site consists of two facilities: Loveland Burial Park and Lakeside Cemetery. The two facilities are physically divided by Colorado State Highway 287. As a result of its central location, the cemetery and burial park are easily accessible to the community.









Books on a headstone - Faith, learning to read and write, a scholar.  It may represent the Book of Life and is often shown as a Bible.






Fern - Because it conceals its beauty in the depths of the forest, the fern represents humility in solitude.





The sleeves of the shirt/coat will tell you the sex.  In this case it is a male holding a bible that is surrounded by a calla lily which represent marriage and fidelity.



Woodmen of the World Headstones Woodmen of the World was a fraternal benefit society founded in the late 1800's. One of the benefits for members was a distinctive headstone, usually in the form of a tree stump.  The arms of the tree shows the age of the person.  Longer arms means longevity.  





This stone shows the gates of heaven and a bible.






Another example of the gates of heaven and a bible.


From the song "Rugged Cross," 
I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown





Another example of the gates of heaven and a bible.




Another example of the gates of heaven and a bible.




Friday, July 31, 2020

Flame Skimmer

Magic is seeing wonder in nature's every little thing,

seeing how wonderful the fireflies are and

how magical are the dragonflies.

Ama H.Vanniarachchy




While hiking I noticed an abundance of orange dragonflies or Flame Skimmers.  They hovered in front of me and when I reached for my camera they darted away.   So the majority of my photos of these colorful creatures are blurred.

A dragonfly symbolizes transformation and renewal, and is even associated with spiritual renewal and self realization. In Native American legends, the dragonfly is a symbol of resurrection, and renewal after hardship. The dragonfly is a carefree insect that symbolizes free spirit, swiftness, and activity.  Dragonflies live a short time, they live a complete life in just seven months.  Let the dragonfly be a reminder to you to live life fully.







Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Trinidad Lake State Park - Photos part two

No more glory years Kicking back and killin' fears
Everything I need's right here The road is open wide
We'll drive through the badlands The Great Plains and Midwest winds
Head through the Rocky Mountains Across the border line
Austin Plaine













Trinidad Lake State Park - Photos


Take a ride with me Live it up and livin' free
Fill the car with gasoline And head out to the coast
We'll drive to the canyon America is born again
Close your eyes and count to ten We're there before you know
Austin Plaine


 












Trinidad Lake State Park

Bette Davis said, “Growing old isn’t for sissies.” 


The person who check me in yesterday, July 27th, was a young man who was very considerate. I was interested in the Reilly and Levsa Canyons trail. The trail will take you to a semi ghost town of Cokedale. I know my limitations because of my back... I never thought of my age as a limitation. This man did and he did his best to dissuade me from taking it. I realize he saw Grandma when he saw me. He just kept repeating "it's a strenuous 8 mile hike."

I did my research. It is an 8.6 mile trail which starts at the campground. It goes through meadows and through juniper and cedar forests. It is considered a moderate hike. I manage 4 miles. My back said "home." I listened.





Camping Fees:
Additionally, a Parks Pass is required for each day of camping.

Basic Campsite: $28
Electric Hook-up Campsite: $36
Full Hook-up Campsite: $41

Modern facilities at this campground include:
Centrally-located water hydrants;
50–amp electrical service at all sites;
Full hookups at seven sites (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 62 and 63) during April through Mid October;
The camper services building with coin-operated showers, laundry and flush toilets is open from mid March to mid Oct. and is only available for camping guests. During the winter season, the family restrooms are available for camping guests only.
24-hour restroom facilities just outside the campground--open year-round also; and
A dump station located near the campground entrance.

Description:
Trinidad Lake State Park is a state park 4 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, United States. The park protects Trinidad Lake, a dammed reservoir. There are hiking trails, and camping and boating opportunities. The park features historical attractions such as the coal mining ruins at Cokedale. An exposure of the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary is visible in the southern part of the park.