2012 Mid October Fall Colors

This trip actually started last week when my friend Jim and I hiked up to the summit of Crows Nest Peak to look for an overview of Donner Summit and to spot any pockets of color that would be worth investigating closer on subsequent trips.  We kept a steady pace and really liked the simple scramble at the summit.

From 2012 Fall Colors

The week's weather forecast looked gloomier and gloomier with snow predicted for Sunday, so Diane quickly packed the camper and headed out to circumnavigate Lake Tahoe in search of some fall colors.  The weather was delightful and we scored some gold...

This is on the way up the pass towards Martis peak.  Some old dilapidated buildings are nestled in an amazing stand of Aspen trees.

From 2012 Fall Colors

We parked at the Chimney Beach trailhead, and hiked up 1,500 feet and 3 miles to the center of Marlette Lake.  Across the lake we spied these trees on fire, so we traipsed around the lake and were treated to a grand view on the east shore.

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

As I was watching the geese, I noticed what I thought was a floating log approaching the flock.  They moved in from the water towards me - and unusual maneuver for birds, but as I stood still like a tree this very large, very sequin beaver paddled up right to the shore not 10 feet away and nibbled on some grasses.  He was about 24" from nose tip to base of his tail.

From 2012 Fall Colors

The geese were watching him too.

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

We camped overnight near the trailhead to Mt. Tallac, then headed out to Rt. 89 and Hope Valley to look for more color. Hope Valley

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

From 2012 Fall Colors

With the sky above the mountains filling with clouds, the wind building, the temperature dropping,  and small snowflakes beginning to fall, we headed back to Donner Summit via the west side highway past Emerald Bay.

From 2012 Fall Colors

I'll have these photos and more posted to my photo sales site at Redbubble by Thanksgiving in case you are thinking any of them would make good gifts as greeting and Thank You cards.  They are shot in high resolution and can all be printed up to poster size.  I can also get them printed directly onto aluminum for mounting in kitchens, bathrooms, or medical offices where they can be easily cleaned.