Stardate 2015.784

iFall 2

Snowcatcher and I awoke to 30 Fahrenheits prancing around outside. Fall was definitely in the air. A predawn ride put us in position to catch first light on the Elk Range. Sadly, this was our last day. Here are a few picks from Day Two of our adventure. The following pics are again from my iPhone.

First light bathes the higher realms of the Elk Mountains.



First light hits Teocalli Mountain (13,208 ft, rank 478) along with Castle Peak (14,265 ft, rank 12) rising just behind (head in the clouds). Ubiquitous bovine still were grazing in the tall grass all over the place.



Gothic Road – a route into paradise.



A meandering East River greets first light. The two-tone vegetation split at the fence-line is correct. I'm not sure what the difference in vegetation is. It would be interesting to find out.



The northern ramparts of 12,625-foot Gothic Mountain patiently wait for some warmth on a sunny 30-degree morning.




The East River makes its way to its confluence with the Taylor River. At that point, they become the Gunnison River.




The mouth of Spring Creek Canyon is somewhat wild, woolly and you guessed it – scenic.




The deciduous in this area were almost glowing in yellow.




Sun spot lighting is my parting shot for this trip.




I'm not sure what's on the docket next. Check back...

Adios

Stardate 2014.729

Autumn

Happy autumnal equinox, everyone. The first day of fall has arrived. It's only one of two times per year that the duration of night and day is theoretically equal at all points of the earth. More specifically, winter is right around the corner.



A good place to enjoy fall is Crested Butte, Colorado.



There are lots of yellow leaves, along with some red and orange. Rising in the background is 12,625 foot Gothic Mountain.



Autumn color abounds along the Brush Creek drainage east of Crested Butte.



Teocalli Ridge sports a good variety of leaf color. The remaining green indicates more yellow to come.



Populus Tremuloides is the formal name for an aspen tree. In Colorado, an aspen is commonly known as a quaking aspen, or quakie.



The Black Pearl was my mode of transportation for the day.



Teocalli Ridge flame-tips contrast with the blue sky. What's that George Strait song – "Baby Blue?"



The view down Brush Creek from Teocalli Ridge foretells more yellow on the way. 12,516 foot Mount Whetstone rises in the background.



Strand Hill rises across the valley from Teocalli Ridge.



Quakie stand of flame-tips quake in the breeze at the terminus of Teocalli Ridge with Brush Creek.



Riding singletrack through yellow quakies on a warm fall day is nothing short of magical.



Every time you stop to open and close a gate you have a chance to catch your breath and take it all in! The gates are for the ubiquitous bovine. After all, you're in the middle of ranching country.



Looking north at Teocalli Ridge from the Strand Bonus Trail.



Elton John's "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road" kept popping into my mind for some reason.



13,208 foot Teocalli Mountain towers above Brush Creek and is the 478th highest peak in Colorado. Castle Peak is seen peeping over the east shoulder of Teocalli. Castle Peak touches the sky at 14,265 feet and is the 13th highest peak in Colorado.

There is more to come of this colorful season, so stay tuned.

Adios