(See the red/rust colored trees? They're all dying because of the Pine Beetle Infestation. It is likely that the ENTIRE forest will be dead in 3-5 years. It is very sad, and there is a lot of controversy surrounding it. Good news is, it will grow back eventually.)
Checking out the stream under the bridge
A view of the valley from the road.
It's hard to tell, but we are VERY high up.
We met some new friends along the way:
Above the treeline - this is alpine tundra, a fragile ecosystem (sorry, the biology teacher in me is coming out!)
See the sticks on the sides of the road? That's so the snowplows can find the road when it's snowy. The road is only open from June - mid October because it is literally at the top of the mountains.
Not that you want to see a picture of cars, but can you tell how amazing the view is? Just a reference point.
Some beautiful flowers...
Christmas in July? No... just snow. Still melting. It may never melt though - that's why part of the range is called the "Never Summer" mountains!
And lastly, I'd like to make a public service announcement.
You know you're an idiot when you do things like this.....
In case you can't quite see (sorry, we were moving when I snapped the pic) there are three cars, all of which have the windows rolled down and teenagers hanging out. Not just hanging out. Sitting on the windowsill of the car.
You may be thinking, oh they're just being kids. No big deal.
The sign at the foot of the pass we were on said something to the effect of, "Stay away from edge. Road may be slippery. Steep grade and sharp turns ahead." Eek. The road was only one way, only as wide as a car. And just after these idiots pulled over onto the wide spot in the road meant for taking pictures, we passed them. And they pulled in behind us as we turned a hairpin curve and were heading up a steep grade. I was sick to my stomach it was such a dropoff, and they were hanging out of the car.
What I especially don't understand is that their parents were driving and allowing this. Eek.
As my Dad so aptly noted earlier today, blogs are "just places where people say stuff they'd never say to your face." Well, Dad, you're probably right. But if I happen to run into the aforementioned people, I'd be happy to tell them that I think they're crazy. Sure, to each his own. Whatever. But you won't find me hanging out my window, and neither will my daughter (at least while I'm driving!!)
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with this sentiment. We saw this helmet precariously sitting atop a motorcycle parked next to our car, which belonged to a goofy old bastard who shoved me and my mother out of the way whilst we were trying to get in the car. "Excuse me, girls." He gave us a stupid grin and acted like we were just two fat girls that were in his way. My Dad nearly ran him over in the parking lot. He had to hop to it a bit to get out of the way.
If we all thought like this guy.... we'd need stronger toothpaste.
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