Category Archives: hiking

The Whispering Grasslands: Do Plants Communicate?

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đŸŒŸ The Whispering Grasslands: Do Plants Communicate?

Beneath the rustle of prairie winds and the hush of meadow mornings, a quiet conversation unfolds—one we’re only just beginning to understand. The idea that plants can “talk” may sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but science and folklore alike suggest that the grasslands are far from silent.

photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

đŸŒ± Rooted in Connection: The Science of Plant Communication

Recent studies reveal that plants aren’t the passive green statues we once thought. They send chemical signals through the air and electrical impulses through their roots. Some highlights:

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): When under attack by pests, plants release airborne chemicals that warn nearby neighbors to prepare their defenses.
  • Mycorrhizal Networks (“Wood Wide Web”): Underground fungal threads connect plant roots, allowing them to share nutrients and even distress signals.
  • Touch and Light Responses: Vines reach toward supports, sunflowers track the sun, and mimosa leaves fold when touched—each movement a form of response.
5 Things You Didn't Know About Venus Flytraps | College of ...

Touchy Venus Flytrap- photo internet

It’s not speech as we know it, but it’s communication nonetheless.

đŸŒŸ Folklore & Whispered Legends

Long before science caught on, storytellers sensed something magical in the way plants behaved:

  • Native American traditions often speak of plants as sentient beings with spirits and wisdom to share.
  • In Celtic lore, sacred groves were places of communion—where trees were believed to murmur secrets to those who listened.
  • Even modern gardeners talk to their plants, believing that kindness helps them thrive. Maybe it’s not so far-fetched.
Sacred Trees of the Celts and Druids

Sacred tree of the Celts- photo internet

🐜 Eavesdropping on the Meadow

Next time you walk through a field, pause. Notice how the grasses lean toward each other, how wildflowers seem to bloom in clusters, how the breeze carries more than just pollen. Could it be that the plants are whispering?

Maybe they’re warning of a hungry rabbit. Maybe they’re celebrating the rain. Or maybe they’re simply saying hello.

Photo credit Deb Neumann

đŸŒ» Closing Thought

The grasslands may not speak in words, but they hum with life, intention, and quiet intelligence. If we learn to listen—not just with ears, but with curiosity—we might finally hear what the earth has been saying all along.

Quiet Trail in Sedona- photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Still Thinking About Colorado

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Colorado on my mind

Yes, I’m still thinking about a Colorado Vacation. I’m one step closer since I got my first vaccine shot last week. 2nd dose is scheduled for April 22. But I have a confession. I miss seeing the sights but I don’t miss the effort it takes to get there. Planes, TSA lines, layovers…my body gets tired just thinking about it. Too bad travel couldn’t be like the Enterprise. Beam me up Scotty and I’d be wherever I wanted to be. I always tell my traveling companions they need to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Half the adventure is getting there but my body is starting to get weary. 

Mesa, Colorado

 

Well enough complaining lets see what Mesa, Colorado has to offer for vacation. 
If you like to ski Goldenwoods Condominiums is located right on the slopes of Powderhorn, and the ski lifts are within walking distance of the resort. 

But what if like me you don’t ski and the old knees make hiking and climbing mountains difficult. What can you do in Mesa? 

Summer activities in Mesa

Maybe I need to get that knee replaced because the hiking sounds really fine. There are tons of trails and it’s reported that there are no crowds! You can hike through dense pine forests while others trails  trek along high ridgelines with unobstructed views in all directions. Camping is another attraction. Large sites (and a rumor says you can go car camping)  allow you to enjoy the mild evening temperatures to fall asleep under the stars.

If your joints are getting a bit creaky and camping and hiking aren’t your thing there are over 300 lakes in the region for your boating, paddle boarding and fishing pleasure. 

Last but not least is the Scenic Byway 65 (Grand Mesa Scenic Byway). The Grand Mesa leads through old-growth forests, aspens, meadows and so many lakes you’ll lose track. That’s Grand Mesa in a nutshell. Allow at least  2 hours to travel the full 63 miles. This drive is definitely best in summer as  parts of the road  may be closed in winter.

Up Next- Steamboat Springs Colorado

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Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is next on the list of locations. This was actually the vacation I had scheduled when COVID hit.   Let’s see how it stacks up now that the resort list has expanded. When I chose Steamboat Springs it was because choices were very limited but I really wanted to visit Colorado and check that state off my list. As I researched my options back then I played John Denver‘s  Rocky Mountain High  for inspiration.

What’s Google have to say?

When researching these trips I rely heavily on Google searches. So what did I find about Steamboat springs? “Steamboat Springs is a city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort. The latter has 6 peaks including Mount Werner. The city’s geothermal hot springs are said to have therapeutic properties. Near the city center, the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs is equipped with swimming and soaking pools, plus water slides”.

Plus when I hear the snow and ski reports Steamboat Springs is always mentioned – “Steamboat Springs got 27 inches of snow last night” The avalanche risk is….” No, skiing Steamboat Springs or anywhere in Colorado  is not on my bucket list although I will admit that those hot springs in winter fascinate me . What would it be like outside in freezing temps in a bathing suit and soaking in steaming water?

Up Next- Steamboat Springs Colorado

Unknown Photographer- downloaded from the web

Let’s go to a Rodeo

Downloaded from Publicity Material

Photo Downloaded from Publicity Material 2020

If we plan our vacation between mid-June and Mid-August we can go to a real pro rodeo. I’ve been to rodeo’s but is a real Western Rodeo the same as one of our eastern imitations? I’d love to see a “real” rodeo so I had planned that canceled vacation so that I could attend one. I’ll have to keep it in mind if Steamboat Springs is my choice this time. 

Unknown Photographer

What else is there to do in Summer?

If hot springs and rodeos aren’t your cup of tea other activities around Colorado Springs are hiking and Mountain biking. They say the scenery is breathtaking. You can go horseback riding and paddleboard on the lakes. Like waterfalls? You can take a picture of Fish Creek Falls.  
And that, my friends about sums up Summer in Steamboat Springs.

Vail Colorado

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Funny but True

I planned to write about Vail, Colorado last week because that was next up on my Colorado list but the weekend got away from me. However I did hear a strange story that I just have to share before we “Dig in”. If you have ever been to Yellowstone you know those hot springs are very dangerous. Well I heard that a man was banned from Yellowstone for cooking chickens in the hot springs. Can you imagine? I’m not sure I’d want to eat anything cooked in one of those springs nor would I want to get that close! What do you think?

On to the Subject of the day

 

Vail, Colorado

Everyone has heard of Vail, Colorado. I bet the first thing that comes to mind is skiing and the second thing is the rich and famous. Vail is just a small town at the base of Vail Mountain  but the Ski Resort is massive.  Vail Ski Resort was founded in 1962 and the town came after in 1966. The area is known for its hotels,  dining, and for the numerous events the city hosts annually, such as the Vail Film Festival, Burton US Open, Vail Resorts Snow Days, and Bravo! Vail.

Ski Vail

Most visitors that come to Vail do so for the skiing . The Vail Ski Resort boasts 5,289 skiable acres, making it one of the largest single-mountain resorts in the country. Other nearby ski areas are up and coming due to their close proximity to Vail Resort. Vail skiing is said to be some of the best. Lots of pristine powder coupled with amazing views make Vail a ski capital of the world. But I don’t ski. I do like photography so if I were going to brave the cold it would be to see if I can capture an iconic ski photo.

Photo from web advertisement

What about Summer Visitors

Well summer activities also abound. This one caught my eye- hiking with a Llama. You can go hiking with a llama in Vail with Paragon Guides. According to their website, “Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them an ideal addition for your backcountry adventure.” Plus, they’ll carry your gear! Sounds like my kind of hike!

 

You’ve also got mountain streams to amuse you.

White water rafting tours abound in Vail in summer. Numbers Extreme Whitewater Rafting promises a white-knuckle ride for experienced rafters or fearless beginners. For something less intense, choose Browns Canyon Half Day Whitewater Rafting, suitable for most rafters including kids. For a truly relaxing ride, book the Lower Browns Canyon Midwater Float Trip, for which Viator says you can, “Pick up a paddle if you like, or simply relax and enjoy this fun and mellow river ride.”

Photo from web advertisement

 

I never knew there was so much to do in Vail in the summer!

 

Iao Valley

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Maui flowersA Lush Valley in the Middle of Maui

Time to find Iao Valley. I’ve had it on my bucket list for at least 3 visits. Each time the roads were under repair. The valley is located in the center of Maui. It’s one of the wettest sections of Maui. Its a real bonafide rainforest. The concierge told me she hadn’t been there lately but that the roads are open. I was looking forward to some tropical beauty after my negative experience the day before. I only have 2 more days of my vacation and tomorrow I have a whale watch booked.

Getting to Iao Valleywalkway bridge

It turns out it was really easy to locate the valley. It’s actually a State Park. The area is sacred to native Hawaiian’s as well as having great historical significance. The park consists of 4000 acres and is 10 miles long. I was on the main road on the Island, RT 30. It wasn’t long before I saw a sign pointing to the left. Immediately after the left the road split. To get to the park you keep right. The road dips down through a little neighborhood before it starts a twisting upward climb. Now homes are left behind. You go through a falling rock zone and then there you are. There’s a ranger kiosk where you pay a $5.00 entrance fee. Parking was scarce when I was there. It had been cloudy and rainy so with a clear day everyone turned out.

What to expectexhibit area

The trails are paved and easy walking. The climb to view the landmark Iao Needle is made up of paved steps for easy climbing. You enter the park over a little bridge. You can head on up toward the needle or take a side path down to an exhibition area that models the way the Valley used to look. Unless you are a serious hiker there isn’t a lot to do here but it is pretty. I think the history of the area is the most interesting thing about the valley. I’ll share more of that next time.

Iao Needle