Inspiration Lake, where we camped, was sparkling in the sunshine.
At this altitude, the most glorious plant of all is the larch tree, a deciduous conifer. In the fall, it "blooms" a golden yellow,
and then looses it's soft furry needles. A strong storm the previous week had carpeted the ground with gold.
We met a hiker from San Diego who had come to photograph these trees.
From here to just beyond the lower Enchantment Lakes, they frame everything. In the back is distinctive Prusik Peak.
They contrast with the silver of weathered dead wood, and iridescent green of tree lichen.
Some were still in color transition. Twisted dead snags made you realize just how hard it is to grow up here.
After the night, we packed camp and moved to lower elevation to avoid a predicted snow storm.
Without a mirror, I didn't realize the extent of my "bed-beard"!
