Fall Circuit 2011 Part I

I had a week off in late September for my annual fall colors shoot--but it was too early this year; the leaves changed about a week-10 days late. So, once back to work, I eyed the weather for a couple opportunites to make quick day trips to the mountains, to catch the peak colors. This was my first whirlwind tour--I snuck it in on a day off so I had a full 24 hours to play with. Drove over Monarch Pass, on to Ohio and Kebler Passes (in the pouring rain), then slid down to 133 and McClure Pass. Next morning, shot Maroon Bells and the Aspen area, then back over Independence Pass and on home! Nothing beats bad weather for good photography. All the mud in my car was well worth it. Here's the highlites!

The aspen going over Monarch Pass were near peak.
Over the Divide

The aspen going over Monarch Pass were near peak.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Neat mix of evergreens and aspen.
Split Decision

Neat mix of evergreens and aspen.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

It started raining harder as I went over Ohio Pass, and I began to wonder how far I'd get with 2WD!
Standing Tall

It started raining harder as I went over Ohio Pass, and I began to wonder how far I'd get with 2WD!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

The famous Kebler ferns.
Ferns in White

The famous Kebler ferns.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Marcellina Mountain in its foggy glory.
Marcellina Madness

Marcellina Mountain in its foggy glory.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Close up of a fresh waterfall.
Marcellina II

Close up of a fresh waterfall.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Zooming in on the Raggeds from Dark Canyon.
Ragged Weather

Zooming in on the Raggeds from Dark Canyon.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Panorama pf the Raggeds, as a slight break in the storm allows a quick view.
Raggeds Pano

Panorama pf the Raggeds, as a slight break in the storm allows a quick view.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

This is a 10 image stitch--nearly 80 million pixels!
Mega-Raggeds

This is a 10 image stitch--nearly 80 million pixels!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Fog and Fall are a winning combination!
Raggeds Fall I

Fog and Fall are a winning combination!
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

The Raggeds, from the approach to McClure Pass.
Apparition

The Raggeds, from the approach to McClure Pass.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.

Amazing juxtaposition of cloud and trees.
Out of the Void

Amazing juxtaposition of cloud and trees.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.