Bierstadt Lake from Hollowell

There was snow on the mountains at the beginning of the hiking season, and we appear to have come full circle. But tall brown grasses dress the scene for fall. Permanent snowfields are waiting to be recharged. Light dances off the clear water, daring the ice to reappear.

The sun is still warm, but the wind blows off the high mountains, full of an icy edge. Sue, Shirley, and I braved the breeze to enjoy the incredible view from the shore of Bierstadt.

Returning through Mill Creek Basin, the aspens have all shed their leaves. A herd of elk had found a quiet meadow, away from the throngs near Moraine Park. Bugling echoed in the surrounding forest, but we only glimpsed a few heading into the solitude of the surrounding forest.

Williams Weekend

Too short, but a truly wonderful three days with college friends. The aspen provided a backdrop worthy of this reunion. In 25 years I have never seen the aspen so full and glowing.

After the equinox, the light noticeably changes. It bounces off the water at a different angle than in mid-summer. I wonder if that is why the aspen seem to emit their own light?

Near Glacier Gorge trailhead, the aspens provided the perfect canopy. Just a few days earlier I had been hiking behind a family, and when we hit this spot, the young girl said to her father "This is my favorite part of the trail".

Mills Lake was completely still when we arrived. Snow was still dusted on the high peaks from several days before, but it was incredibly warm at the lake. Perfect for sprawling on the rocks and peering into the crystal clear water.

Everyone made it to Mills Lake - including Muneca.