First day of Geology class in Crested Butte

This morning (Monday), we took a relatively mild hike to get acclimatized and start to take in the scenery. We learned some about the Cretaceous period - including learning how shale and Mesa Verde sandstone was formed during this time (shale from the mud of the ocean that was once here, sandstone from the beach of the ocean). Then, about 35 mil. years ago, igneous intrusions shot up through the weak areas in the soft shale and formed the peaks we now see. These intrusions caused the shale to turn into slate (the heat caused the shale to harden into slate).

Here are a few pix from our day. Really - it is probably one of the most beautiful places I have been. It is so green and the mountains are breathtaking. The wildflowers are in full bloom right now, too!

Beginning our hike this morning. Not too bad:)

Our trusty guide (professor), John Dunkhase. He's a professor at Iowa but is a mountain man at heart.

A typical day in the field - gorgeous, learning about rocks. John dubs it a "learning vacation" - so great:)

No words for this one, really...

Living a dream: laying in a field of wildflowers. "In open fields of wildflowers, she breathes the air and flies away. She thanks her Jesus for the daisies and the roses, in no simple language. Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all." (Jars of Clay, Love Song for a Savior)

Yep, just taking a break from rock-learning in a field of wildflowers - columbines to be exact, and checking out the scenery.

That's all for now - time to get some rest - tomorrow we're heading to Gunnison to learn more about rocks:) Til then - have a wonderful evening.

And remember - our God is the God of all - of Iowa, of Colorado, of flat "boring" plains, of towering gorgeous mountains, of you, of me. It boggles my mind.