Yup, there's snow in them thar hills!

Spent last night on Windy Ridge on Mount Bross' eastern slopes, and periodically checked weather between snoozing. It was clear, then foggy, then it rained, a crack of thunder woke me from a dead sleep, and then finally, this morning it was snowing furiously. Most of it right where I was melted before the sun attempted to come up, but the high peaks were awash in white. It looked like everything from about Mount Sherman northward was hit, including Front Range peaks.

Obviously I posted my photos out of turn. The first is from Kite Lake, which is where I went after I shot bristlecones on Windy Ridge, which is seen here. When I got home, our entire neighborhood showed signs of a massive hailstorm. The streets are totally littered with fallen leaves. Our bird bath actually got shredded by the storm. I've never seen aftermath quite like it.

Tod, it looks like you have experienced all four seasons in one night!
Love the sugar coated mountains! Those are really cool photos. Sometimes the weather is playing nice tricks. I am sure that the snow is gone by now.

Bummer - I thought I was going to get the chance to correct the Mountain Master himself. I was looking at that first shot thinking "hmmmm... looks a lot like Kite Lake and Democrat". Oh well... I'll console myself by staring at that first shot for the next hour. That's gorgeous, and what a crisp feel! Snow...yeah baby! We didn't get any on the Flatirons or nearby mountains, but we did have a quietly spectacular sunrise. Unbelievable clouds and about 90 seconds of some of the most incredible light I've seen in years. I had no camera, but was driving in with the top down which is almost as good.

Nice shots Todd! I like the swooping tundra hills in the second one.

I'm not sure that I'm ready for fall yet!!! More summer! More summer!

Well,

I guess summer ends early sometimes in the Rockies.

Jack - I think I am ready for Fall. The San Juans were gorgeous during wildflower season this summer. But I still think Fall is my favorite time up there. There is something magical about having snow on the peaks and all those aspens turning color. I have been thinking about your masterpiece from last fall here:
http://www.widerange.org/photo.php?id=600&gallery=Aspens

I was there a week earlier and the color was no where near what it was in that shot. It seems like Fall is even harder to time than wildflower season. I think I might plan the trip a little later this year. But I guess you can never quite tell when things will peak.

I did get to experience the 'Sunday morning' of the year at the Bells with a lot of RMNPers. I will never forget that day.

Both are exceptionally nice but there is something about that second one that I REALLY like. Glad you were there to take advantage of the fresh snow.

Todd, The photo with the Bristlecone Pine has an exceptionally fine composition and great DOF. The pine pointing to the snow-covered mountain with the valley in between is spectacular.

Carol

Nice shots there Todd! We had some pretty cool clouds and light on the Front Range this morning - wish I had my camera on the way to work. I was awakened by some very loud thunder around 4 a.m. I should have stayed up and gone looking for some photos!
John

Right time, right place, the 1st snow of the year always has that delicacy about it, subtle and beautiful.

Very nice images! I really like the first shot. I am definitely ready for fall!