The Edge of Winter by John Toeppen

9meg Canon SX110

A few miles East of Sonora Pass in California these aspens stand at around a 9500 foot elevation. This is one of the first places where the snow falls. The pass had just opened after closure for the night and some snow had been removed. We were among the first to travel the open road and it would later close again for the night. Snow was still falling in the range above me and fell as slushy rain upon me and my gear. The cold and moisture were just right for the leaves to turn to flame and hold for a few more days unless the wind comes up. I was ready to move on to other canyons after getting colder and wtter here. I came here for this.

I am told that there is a deer or elk with a large rack somewhere in this image. Please don't take a snapshot, some people like to hunt for game!