Lifestyle

Hello Country!

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

When I drive back and forth to Hotchkiss, Colorado every weekend I see all kinds of eye candy. Anywhere else I have ever lived I have immensely disliked driving. Here in Colorado ~ I love road trips.

I stop the car often to get snaps of wildlife, barns, ranches, cows, horses, mountains….and well, just about everything!

Enjoy this little photographic journey of some pals I met while on the road last week.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

That there is the Sneffels Range here in the San Juan Mountains.

As the crow flies it is not too far from Telluride. Takes a bit longer to drive it though ~ ’cause you gotta drive around all kinds of mountain passes.  The most prominent peak of the Sneffels Range is Mount Sneffels reaching 14,158 feet

Ralph Lauren’s Double RL Ranch sits pretty on the land in front of this Rocky Mountain range. He owns only 16,000 acres there.

It sure would be nice to sit in a hammock & enjoy the views with a Cowgirl Cooler or two.

Cowgirl Coolers | Whiskey Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail | recipe on MarlaMeridith.com

Red Barn in Southwest Colorado | MarlaMeridith.com

Did you know that horses LOVE having their picture taken? I sure didn’t…I gazed upon these beauties as I was leaving the North Rim Hunt Club, in Hotchkiss.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

Not only do they like group shots… But they love having individual portraits taken as well. They even like close-ups.

Lucky for me because I am not too shy either. So we made for some great pals.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO  | FamilyFreshCooking

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

Spending just a few minutes with these beauties was all I needed to put a BIG grin on my face.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

Remember my cowboy pal Justin? Maybe he rides these horses. I need to ask him…

Colorado Cowboy | MarlaMeridith.com

I got back in the car with a mind full of new memories, country music a blaring and then…

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO  | FamilyFreshCooking

I saw the cows. They were further away though and very interested in just doing their thang. Not as interested in close up portraits.

This black cow was more interested in sipping water & licking it’s bowl.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO  | FamilyFreshCooking

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

Each cow mush have about 25 acres to call it’s own. These ranches are giant.

With spectacular mountain views.

Photos from the Colorado Countryside | Horse & Cattle Ranches in Hotchkiss, CO | FamilyFreshCooking

*sigh*

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~ Marla Meridith

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24 thoughts on “Hello Country!

  1. I LOVED these pictures. I am from Denver, living on the East Coast. We go back to Denver and Grand Lake annually. There is nothing like a scenic drive through the Rockies. Thanks for giving me a little piece of home on this dull Thursday morning!

  2. Colorado is splendid! What glorious skies and landscapes. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures with us.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  3. Looks stunningly beautiful, Marla. I was just over in Bend, OR for Easter and the mountains were incredible. Have you skiied there? Sisters and Mt. Bachelor – breath-taking. Your photography is gorgeous, girl!

    1. Hi Sandy! I have not ever visited Bend, OR but I have heard spectacular things about it! Certainly on my hot list of places to visit asap. Glad to hear you had a fun & inspiring trip.

    1. Awwww…..thank you so much Heidi! It really is so fun to share this JOY with all of you. I am grateful to be surrounded by this light & space…..XO

  4. That is exactly how feel very often. I could stop all the time and take pictures of horses, cows, wildlife, mountains, cowboys, old trucks,….. Maybe I should start sharing these pictures, too. Don’t you LOVE living in CO? It is the best!

    1. OMG ~ LOVE the idea of horse treats. What should I pack in the car? Yes, you should start sharing all your roadside photos of CO….YES!