I think I first visited the San Juan mountains in 2003, and I’ve been addicted ever since. The forests, tall mountains, mesas and red and black cliffs are unforgettable. Actually I’m trying to plan a trip back in the next couple months for big dose of steep powder and hot springs, without the crowds. For a popular state, those mountains feel more wild and desolate than many of the other ranges in Colorado. But as towns like Telluride, Montrose, Ridgway and Ouray continue to grow and festivals get bigger and mansions spontaneously reproduce, that area could use some more protection. For those interested in potential increased regulation, the San Juans Mountains Wilderness Act of 2009 was just introduced in the Senate.

Sunshine Mountain often gets ignored because of its iconic neighbor, Wilson Peak. But yesterday, Sunshine Mountain was the only one visible, so it got to shine in its full, misty glory on a gray snowy day that gives photos a gorgeous black and white quality even when shot in color. This mesa is one of my favorites in southwestern Colorado, with views of Sunshine, Wilson, Dallas and Emma. Those who live here are lucky, lucky souls who I hope sit by their massive windows or stand on their rich, rustic decks and porches with a cup of hot coffee every morning, staring into the mountains and wallowing in the peace that emanates from the peaks, looking for elk and coyotes. Because that’s what I would do.

Alpinist Magazine will relaunch under the direction of a former Climbing Magazine editor and I hope that this time the publishers will retain the honest virtues and develop a successful business model and not schlep out the same mag as Climbing, Rock & Ice, et al. While I love climbing and backpacking, I don’t try to summit huge peaks, such as Wilson Peak in this photo. But I related to Alpinist because the stories and photos emoted that satisfying thrill of being surrounded by wilderness that only those who love the outdoors understand. If their photos could talk, they would sigh with satisfaction, whereas the other mags’ photos would grunt with testosterone. I for one prefer that deep sigh.