October Gold

Yesterday’s sunshine lit the last of the golden leaves in the trees as a gentle breeze fluttered them. When walking this week my eye was drawn here and there to the brightness of the season. It will soon be gone. Many of the leaves are already on the ground and trees that were at the peak last week are mostly bare. If the forecasted snow comes tomorrow, it will be our first good snow of the season.

Mountain Mahogany’s Feathery Seeds

Early morning sunlight highlights the feathery seeds of mountain mahogany, a common wild shrub. The feather tail on the seed curls when dry and straightens when wet. Once on the ground, the seed plants itself by curling and uncurling.

Autumn Aspens – Photo from September Hiking

The aspens were beautiful this week. The trails, if I went out early, were quiet.

I love to hike the trails that wind through stands of large old aspens any time of year, but autumn is my favorite.