Season's end

     Signal Mountain Lodge stays open late into October, and is the only area of visitor services during much of October.  We finished inventory at the shop, and covered everything with sheets borrowed from Housekeeping, or plastic bags.  Mice and rodents are known to live in the basement during the winter.
     Aspen trees have provided glorious color to the valley this Fall.  When I departed on Friday afternoon, many Aspens had lost their leaves.

Willows turned golden and brown for the Fall. Naked twigs are a dark red-brown.  Elk drink from these ponds in Willow Flats while resting from their rutting behavior.









I hiked Open Canyon in early October.  Despite its name, Open Canyon trail does not lead to a spectacular view.  Mountain Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Gray Jays, and Clark's Nutcrackers were busy feeding and gathering seeds.  Least Chipmunks and Red Squirrels were also busy, scolding me for interrupting their foraging as I walked by.

Back at Signal Mt Lodge 2 young Mule Deer bucks entertained guests and employees alike.  This one crossed the road while I was watching them eat leaves and bushes.