October started out as a chilly month across the country, but the temperatures have warmed back up here in the Rocky Mountains to give outdoor enthusiasts a second chance at summer.  The leaves have been gorgeous, with the Aspen and Cottonwood glowing golden and the oak brush a brilliant orange.  The views both from the ranch and up in the mountains are unbelievable, as is the amount of wildlife present this year.  Horseback rides across the ranch have been giving owners and their guests up close sightings of huge bucks, does with their young, and herds of antelope.  The elk can be heard bugling at dusk,  their calls competing with the singing of the coyotes.  The nights have been cool and clear, with bright starry skies, and the sunrises and sunsets have somehow managed to become even more beautiful than they are in the summer.   The fishing has been outstanding as well, both on the ranch and in the nearby Arkansas, and the recent clean up work done on our creeks has created even more lateral pools for our fly fishing enthusiasts to explore.  There is never a bad time to be out here on the ranch, but fall at leaf-turning time is truly is one of the best.

Aspen along Monarch Pass

Oak brush and trees at the Hemmes' homestead

View along Lake Creek Lane

Snow covered fourteeners along Independence Pass