Most of the Fall Colors images were taken the second weekend in October (over several years) near Carson Pass and Hope Valley, CA, which is about a half hour south of Lake Tahoe. In this area of Alpine County --- the least populous county in California --- there are vast stands of Aspen that call like sirens to plein air painters and photographers. It's always a crap shoot --- you never know whether you'll be too early or too late --- but when they're afire, it's something close to a religious experience.

Although we've enjoyed staying at Sorensen's, we prefer the quietude of the Kit Carson Lodge at Silver Lake, which is rustic and homey, and boasts a surprisingly great California Cuisine restaurant. (We reserve the Spruce cabin/room when we stay there.)

And yes, we are rabid Andy Goldsworthy fans. Our environmental sculptures are homages to his work, and a means of spending a contemplative afternoon deep in the forest, steeped in the vivid hues of aspen leaves.