CO Western Slope, September 2020

An all too short excursion over to the Western Slope to see the leaves was a nice break from the smoke and COVID-19 restrictions. The trees, no doubt due to the dryness and unexpectedly early hard freeze, presented variable color, from still green through the entire gamut to no leaves remaining. There was still some very nice color to be seen though, and it was nice to get away for even a couple of nights.

Fall Variety
Lots of different fall colors have mixed together on this mountain slope.
High Country Fall Morning
A wonderful early fall morning in the high country of Colorado.
Aspen Shore
Early morning light catches the top of a peak, with some nice Aspen colors highlighted and reflected along the shore of a small lake.
Aspen Lake Morning
A small lake reflects the early morning sunlight on some of the fall colors still making a showing.

Aspen Variety Show
he fall foliage shows every possible display after a strange smoke filled, dry season that included an early season freeze.
Road of Gold
The Ohio Creek Road heading North from Gunnison had the best color we saw on the entire trip.
Everpresent Danger
While we enjoyed 'Bluebird' skies for the entire time we were away, it was impossible to completely forget about the horrible wildfire devastation going on in our state. Heading home on Wednesday, we were met with this dramatic smoke plume out to the west of Highway 285. As we got closer to home, we saw an ominous smudge that painted the entire horizon, and eventually drove into the smoke filled air ourselves once we neared home. So many pristine acres going up in smoke across the West - truly a horrible loss for everyone, and a health risk for many. Losing the ability to go outdoors safely removes one of the few activities left in these COVID impacted times.