Good Morning


I wake up at 1000, and leave my house at approximately 1200 to go get an emissions test completed. The emissions test takes less than 15 minutes (hurrah), and the DMV only takes 1.5 hours. I'd call that a win-win!


I didn't pack anything to eat, and want to go on a photo adventure, so I head back home, grab some food to go, and then leave.

Clear Creek


I arrive in Golden, Colorado, drive aimlessly for a bit as I have no idea what street I need to be on, and end up just finding a parking spot and taking it.


I walk down the main street through the historic downtown, and arrive at Clear Creek. 


My stubbornness to get a good shot results in a lot of weird side glances coming my way, but I don't mind as I climb over and around the rocks down on the creek bed.


I have a little over 20 minutes before I lose the sun behind the mountain, leading to an evening golden hour. The colors are perfect. It's so amazing how something so beautiful like Clear Creek can be right in the middle of town. Golden Hour begins. I continue my journey of weaving up to the path and back down for various shots. The details on the waves draw me in, the breeze chopping up the surface of the water, and the colors with the setting sun making everything pop marvelously.


There is a cemented path that ends at the Golden Water Supply and converts to a well-groomed dirt path. The air is crisp, the sky is starting to darken, and I rush forth to try to cover as much of the trail as possible before I lose the light.


The path winds before me, a quaint wooden fence lining the one side. You can see where humans have made their mark on the nature surrounding the path. Initials are carved or burned in several trees, ashes from previous campfires blackening the dirt, even though there are signs everywhere stating that campfires are not allowed.


Nonetheless, the path is beautiful, calming, and excitable. I am definitely returning to this path in the fall and taking photographs of the gorgeous colors that will be canopying the path at that time of year.


I continue walking and reach this bridge after some time. I take it as a sign that I should turn around, as it would take me a while to get back to town and I don't want to be in the woods after dark.

Flowing river water with ripples at dusk surrounded by mountains.
Rustic bridge spans a rushing mountain stream at sunset with rocky cliffs.
Deep blue river waters ripple beneath golden sunset sky framed by winter trees.
Vibrant blue plant growth emerging from pink and purple rocks in a moody nature scene.
A nature enthusiast with a camera takes a selfie on a hiking trail.
Golden sunburst through trees illuminates an autumn river landscape.
A winding dirt path with wooden fence leads through bare winter trees.
Scenic mountain stream flows over rocks at dusk with purple mountains in the background.
Stack of balanced rocks on riverbed in purple twilight.
Abstract aerial view showing blue and orange patterns in natural terrain.
Close-up of a delicate dandelion seed head against a dark natural background.
Stacked river rocks form a peaceful zen balance against a moody purple backdrop.

Golden History Park


Golden has this adorable little area along the creek that is run by their historical society. There are several historical cabins, a church, and a chicken coop, with chickens! I feel like a child at a petting zoo, and stare at them for a while before continuing on and capturing a shot of one of the cabins.

Rustic wooden cabin stands alone on a hillside against bright blue sky.

Golden, Colorado


At the end of this historical section of Golden is a bridge that crosses over the creek. It's a very different world on either side of this bridge. The one side you have the adorable, cozy log cabins, the little chicken coop, and the wooden church. The other you have a sort of campsite. There's no campgrounds, but it's a place where all these people are living in Winnebagos and various large vehicles.


I walk back to my car, get in, and go home.