Color-ado

Finding color in the state of Color-ado is sometimes a bit of a challenge. Those of us who live here are all too aware that our geography can be a little bland. Oh sure we have beautiful blue skies a lot and the contrast of the snow capped mountains is breathtaking, but in late summer most rocks are grey or brown and our semi-arid climate bakes the annual vegetation into a wheat color. Fortunately, there are aspen trees in the high country to quench our thirst for color when September rolls around.

So I visited the high country yesterday in search of fall color. I had to climb up into the hills to get a better view of the gold rush. The country was very rugged with boulders and dead trees. Then, I spotted them, dead ahead. Brilliant gold and yellow tassels waving in the wind.

As I got closer, the aspen leaves gave off a distinct smell. If firewood burning is the smell of winter in the mountains and a cool snow melt breeze is the smell of spring and wildflowers are the smell of summer, then aspen leaves are surely the smell of fall.

I am alone on the mountainside as I capture my moments of color. I look up and enjoy the contrast of the gold leaves with the blue sky. Time seems to slow down. I enjoy the moment. There is warm sunshine on my face. The soft breeze cools my skin just a little. The sound of rustling leaves surrounds me.

After a while, it is time to head back down the hill. But like the promise of spring after a long winter, I too will return to see next year's show.