Autumn is my favorite season, right alongside winter and spring. Oh, and I guess summer, as long as it isn't too hot. I like 'em all but I do love autumn. And it goes so fast. I remember moving up to the Sierra many years ago after living in the Pacific Northwest, the South and Southern California. The four distinct seasons were (and are) a continual delight, and I knew I was finally "home". I just love mountain weather.
The weather was unsettled last week, ushering in fall with morning and evening clouds, a few sprinkles, some wind, and a little chill to the air. We are counting down to the end of the season and change is in the air - with our beloved employees leaving one by one (or sometimes two by two as couples), the campground nearly empty, and mid-week very quiet in terms of guests, but very busy in terms of work. It takes a lot to shut down a resort.
I got to see and appreciate the fine burial Chance had - and the lovely heart of rocks and little pine tree that Biscuit used to mark his grave. She (only 10 years old) apologized that it was so messy - she complained that the other dogs had been running and playing in the area and had no regard for her work. Somehow I don't think Chance would mind. He's playing right alongside Abby and Denali and 1st Chance in dog heaven with no regard to what is under-paw.
I'm sad but I'm okay with him being gone - he had a really good life with us. Someday I'll scan in some of his puppy photos and blog about his adventurous life with Abby - but for now I'll just be grateful that he had 11 years and that he died quickly and without pain.
This time of year the light on the lake changes so rapidly - it seemed like every time I looked over at it I thought I should be grabbing the camera. Mornings are quiet and gorgeous (the sun comes up over these mountains) but I rarely have the presence of mind to step out and snap a photo... I tend to nurse that first cup of coffee and just enjoy it from my cozy chair. Mid-summer I sleep through most of the sunrises, but this time of year I get to catch them.
The sunsets have been the show-stoppers. All this alpenglow - everything turns a rosy pink. We've still got so much water in the lake and it is all pure luck of the draw this summer. Southern California Edison and the needs of the valley below are what determine the water levels in this lake (oh, and not to forget Mother Nature's role in it. She was very generous this year). SCE is draining Shaver Lake right now to work on the dam and the minute that work is finished - the water level in Edison will drop percipitously. But this year everything lined up just right and here we are, at the end, with a full lake.
Bella got her first water taxi ride last week and as you can see she was stressed out over it. She had her teacher with her and quickly learned that a sunny spot on the deck was the place to be. Until you get to the other side and then a quick romp hunting for chipmunks is in order.
These two are becoming quite the pair. Right now it is still the puppy latched on to the lab and the lab barely tolerating the puppy - but you can see the bonding and soon they will be the best of buds.
The ferry stops running soon as the hiking population is dropping off - the PCT hikers have come back through and picked up this section of the Sierra, the JMT hikers have just about finished for the year. This is the time of year you just don't know what the weather will bring - it could be sunny and warm all through October, or an early winter storm can blow through dropping inches of snow. It is beautiful and fickle.
I do hope to see a little snow before we leave, but it is not something JC wishes for. There is too much to be done and too much to be hauled off the mountain to wish for icy roads and snowy passes. I'll keep my little wish to myself and maybe modify it to include the word "dusting". There's plenty of time for real storms and feet-not-inches of snow after October.
Comments