Autumn Comes to the Rockies

Needing a break from the stress of job and house hunting, I took a trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday.  The skies were overcast with the promise of rain and the aspen trees were beginning to change into the glowing gold of autumn.  I sat and sketched at a particularly lovely spot.  It's nice to see some improvement in my sketching due to the instruction I had on the Queen Mary 2 as well as my study of Beatrix Potter's watercolor sketches.


While sitting there sketching, a flock of wild turkeys crossed the edge of the woods in front of me!


The changing colors of the leaves were so lovely.


The rose hips sat like precious rubies on the branches.


Everywhere I looked there was beauty to behold!


The willows along the creeks were just beginning to change.


In the grassy areas, these brilliant red and green leaves were beacons of beauty.


Most of the aspen are just beginning to change.  I love the patterning on the leaves as the chlorophyll recedes and the underlying gold takes over.


As I drove up the Old Fall River Road towards the tundra, I could look back down the valley and watch the rain come in.


The return journey was along Trail Ridge Road across the tundra.  As soon as the snow flies, this road will be closed for the winter season.  I suspect it won't be long!  Why this enormous bull elk isn't down in the valley with the rest of the elk where the harems are being gathered, I have no idea, but it was a magnificent treat to see him as he non-challontly crossed the road right in front of us!

It was a lovely day in the mountains and I am so glad to see the rain as it continues to be incredibly dry here in Colorado.  I finished the day by spending the evening with a dear friend who I haven't seen in years!  A truly lovely day!