Leaf Duty - All Weekend

Our first fall snowstorm really brought the leaves down.

I was lucky that Joanne helped me, it was a big job!

The weather was fanatastic and many neighbors were out dealing with broken limbs and leaves.  So got a little visiting in as well.  

Pumpkin Carving at the Donahoe's

Haloween is soon to be here, and it was time for the annual Donahoe pumpkin carving party!

A little snow on the ground still, but the weather was quite pleasant.  

It is always fun to catch up with some of the neighbors!

An Old Friend Falls Down

Our first fall snow storm broke down many trees in the Denver area. 

One of them was one of our old apple trees in our back yard.

I  had been fighting fire blight on this tree for years, and eventually it had taken its toll. 

 A lot of jars of Joanne's yummy apple butter came from this tree.   It is sad to see it go.

First Snow

First Snow of the Season

Where did the summer go?

Well, it should make for some mud for the up and coming cylocross races!

Oceans to Rain Forests

Joanne and I went to Olympic National Park in Washington for a long weekend and to spend some time with her nephew Tom's family  - Lisa, Madison and Nora.

It started with a long road trip around the Northern end of Olympic National Park.

We made it to our cabin on the Pacific Ocean and the West side of Olympic National Park, and it looked like it would be several days of playing in the rain.

Fortunately Madison and Nora's fancy rain hats scared the rain away, and we got to enjoy a bunch of sunshine in between a couple of showers.

Which led to goofing off on the beach at low tide.

Exploring our first temperate zone rain forrest!

Kite flying lessons ( while juggling a beer - quite impressive )

Exploring our 2nd temperate zone rain forrest ( there are only 3 in North America )

Warming up inside the cabin with a fire!

Playing games!

Beach hiking in the rain!

Reconnecting with family!

Wondering when the next attack of the "Biting Fishers" will occur?!  

Hopefully soon!

Fall Riding to See the Aspen Change

A group of Joanne's co-workers and associated friends went up to Silver Plume to mtn bike up through the changing aspen.

It was pretty darn good where we parked the car, and only got better.

It was an 8 mile ride all up hill, but the brush changing above tree line made it all worth while.

Dark skies started coming in, so we bundled up and headed down hill back to the cars.

The aspen were just starting to drop some leaves, coating the trail and making the trip back to the cars awesome!

Then it was off to a Mexican restaurant for beers and stories!

A great way to spend a Sunday!