O The Oaks

For nearly a month the mountains were delightfully spotted with yellow aspen and red maples until a storm brought wind and an almost-frost. Then over the next weeks the mountains subtly warmed again with the oaks which turned a deep orange. I love how the color pairs with the silvery greens of sagebrush.

This year I watched much of autumn from the window, observing the mountainside with binoculars. My leg was injured and for September and much of October I was not able to walk more than a quarter mile.

These photos are from my first little walk back into Slate. I took it slow and lay down to rest every couple minutes. Of course I miss being able to walk into the canyon, but I did enjoy lying down, looking all around, taking in the smell of leaves and dirt.

I came back to the mountainside for sunset. I do love when sunlight streams out a gap on the horizon.

It is thrilling every time when the mountain turns sunset.