Oct 6 - Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Cloudy skies this morning but it became partly cloudy by afternoon with temps in near 70. There are rain showers in the forecast (spotty ones) but I decide to brave the rain-like looking clouds and head up BCC to Willow Lake to look at the leaves. This is the peak and with rain/snow forecast Fri/Sat, now is the time to get up there.

I arrive just after 3:30 with only a couple of cars parked. Lots of yellow aspen around as I start my way up to Willow Lake in a counter-clockwise direction.

Pretty much yellow but there are patches where the leaves have already fallen; I don't understand the logic but its Mother Nature.

Quiet walk up the switchbacks.

Before I know it, I'm approaching the meadow with a background of yellow/orange. 

The trees at the higher elevation are bare/going bare but plenty of color.

I reach Willow Lake who has dropped in water since my last visit but the reflections are there despite the ripples from the nearby Mallards.

I work my way around the lake in a clockwise direction enjoying the views

and looking for moose or deer.

I reach the far side of the lake and re-enter the forest. I'm not too far along when I spot a doe/buck pair. Lovely - it's my Dad's birthday - perfect sighting from Dad :)

I'm pretty near but they don't spook. I just pass by.

It's beautiful in these woods!!

Back on the other side, I take a look at the mountain peaks to the south

and continue down to my car.

I beat the rain, saw the leaves and had an awesome hike!

Great day! 

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