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James Hamilton, M. D.
Folks,
My shutter release finger is getting itchy! For many weather related reasons this year's aspen change seems a bit difficult to predict. Usually, at the latitudes of my favorite areas, this third week in September holds the best promise. The key is cold nights and warm days that rid the leaves of their chlorophyll green and bring out those autumn colors. Of course Mother Nature often holds some surprises and even the experts who publish their predictions for the various parts of Colorado, often are mistaken. So far, as I view the higher altitudes on the east side of Pikes Peak, I do not notice any gold patches. Checking the webcams around the ski areas at higher latitudes and altitudes has not shown much change either. What I fear would be a quick freeze or snow that would cause the leaves to drop before peak change occurs.
So, my own instincts tell me that next week may be my best "shot" (pun intended) to try my luck at photographing this year's autumn glory.
The picture below was from 22 September 2017 and you will notice everything from bare aspens to peak color to late summer green in a very confined area of Guanella Pass. Obviously the different clones of these aspen stands respond differently to Mother Nature's hand!

Each year as I get older it becomes more difficult for me to make these treks into the mountains and I would hate to miss the correct timing and a wasted journey.
The nice thing about these forays is that no masks or social distancing are needed - only my canister of bear spray, just in case...!!
Jim
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