A scenic mountain ode

Let’s assume, without further mention of The Lone Ranger, that you are familiar with The William Tell Overture. Besides the finale alluded to above, this instrumental tone poem, the introductory theme to Rossini’s William Tell opera, also contains a section entitled Ranz des Vaches. That “call to the dairy cows” features an English horn and flute duet familiar to most of us as the signature music suggesting daybreak in dozens of animated cartoons. (Still doesn’t strike a chord? Try this sample.)

That would have been my theme music for yesterday. Yesterday was perfect. An impeccably comfortable temperature enhanced by a relative humidity that subtly caressed the skin. A flawlessly right-on mix of sunshine and passing clouds. Precisely modulated breezes. Even a concise and to-the-point thunder shower at late morning—just enough to infuse the air with that ambrosial mountain fragrance that you can all but taste on the back of your tongue.

I was lucky enough to have friends drag me out into that glory. First a former work associate surprised me with a visit that we enjoyed out at my picnic table. Later I was required to drive over to Del Norte for a wienie and burger cook-out with other former colleagues. What a pleasure it was to be out and about, especially with friends.

It was a Rocky Mountain summer day just begging to be savored. Nothing was out of place. Colors were brilliant, the air practically sparkled and even the acoustics—well, every mountain seemed poised to echo whatever song you chose to sing.

This is my song.