The year is almost over—WHEW!! I’m thankful to have made it this far. So many changes, but still some have yet to come to fruition or be realized. Yesterday was the Winter Solstice, and I’m grateful to share with you a triple drone extravaganza!
Looking south over Daniels Park before sunrise. Taken with a DJI Mavic 3
The last time I was here, the paving on Grigg’s Road wasn’t complete, stopping just short of blocking me from my destination last time I visited. Still now, the dirt road ends just east of the trail access parking lot, with the new pavement continuing to the town of Pine Tree, Colorado to the east.
East towards the sunrise and Pine Tree. Taken with an Autel Robotics EVO II+
The cold early morning was still warm enough to invite out more than just the dog-walkers, as joggers and even bicyclists were on the trail. Last time I visited, a buck and some does were the only ones out and about before I, and the rest of the recreation enthusiasts arrived on the scene.
The colors before dawn.
Yesterday I flew three drones—not at the same time, of course—so I was “outstanding in my field” for quite a while. People and their pets came and went, all during a vibrant, pre-sunrise riot of color.
A “Tiny Planet” view of the area around the Douglas County East West Trail.
Once in a while I encounter other drone pilots, and even photographers, but I was the only one this morning. During the summer, some people stop just for the sunrise before they continue along their way.
High-level clouds followed high pressure pushing low clouds to the east, resulting in this.
The morning was mostly still, unexpectedly so, due to the newly paved road to the east silencing the roll of tires as vehicles approach. The crunch of a tire’s sudden transition from paving to gravel announces their arrival.
The view north, following Grigg’s Road, still unpaved, into Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Of course, I passed some new development as I drove on the way to flying drones. The progress and the sprawl continues!
Both paved and dirt portions of the road visible.
The colors of the pre-dawn glow were mesmerizing. It took three drones to capture all the nuance!
Another panorama of the view east.
Once the sun rose, it was still clouded and hazy. It was quiet, but in addition to corvids, many planes took to the air from nearby Centennial Airport and flew towards and over Daniels Park. I had taken more than enough photos—for today, at least—but I’ll be back!
Panorama by a DJI Mini Pro 3.
And thanks for reading to the end, as this little old photo journal will continue in 2026 after a brief break during the holidays. I hope you’re enjoying the season so much you don’t even notice. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
