I saved the best hidden gem of this trip for last.  After seeing the beauty of the first lake, I wish I could have made it to the third but it wasn't meant to be this time.

We started at the bottom of a steep, washed out gravel road that runs under a power line. A trail veered off into the forest. It was wet and leaf covered at the start but progressed up a steep, rocky section.

Once we reached the top, the trees opened up and a beautiful, clear, mountain lake appeared. Bright yellow larch stood tall at the water's edge of the first of three Silver Spring Lakes near Elko, BC. Moss covered the boulders. We could see fallen logs beneath the water's surface. The sight was breathtaking.

I could only imagine the beauty as one continued the trail to the second and third lakes. That's a challenge for the next trip.
 

We drove by the Aberfeldie Dam on the Bull River. There was nothing spectacular about the dam itself but just beyond it the water thundered into a gorge. It was loud and misty and the scenery was beautiful. From the bridge on one side we could see the rushing water drop below and on the other we could see it moving west between the large boulders. Colorful foliage and green moss added the finishing touches to a beautiful autumn landscape.

Creeks. Rivers. Waterfalls. The rain made everything flow. Water seeped through boulders and cascaded down rock faces. As we drove down the backroads we came across hidden little gems in the trees. The Morrissey Falls were raging; creating a thunderous noise that we heard from the road and a mist that coated the foliage on nearby trees. The droplets enhanced the beautiful autumn colors.

The exploration of creeks lead to the exploration of rivers. Rushing water, fresh air and autumn colors filled the afternoon. What a beautiful country we live in.

Even though the raindrops kept falling in Fernie, I think the weather was on my side. The moisture made the colors of fall more brilliant. I went on a little driving tour to visit the creek that runs alongside HWY3. The colors were amazing. Red dogwood, various tones of green moss, yellow larch and aspens made for some memorable scenery. This is Alexander Creek. It was running swiftly due to the rain. What a joy it was to enjoy the sound of the running water, the fresh mountain air and the autumn foliage.

I drove the scenic, peaceful lower Elk Valley road yesterday. The residents are preparing for winter. There are large piles of firewood everywhere. As I took in the sights, I came across some locals; a herd of mule deer grazing in a pasture with some horses.

It's been raining since yesterday so I searched for some sunshine today. Found some to the west. Found some to the east. Found not one, not two but three rainbows. Can it get any better?  I don't think so.  Mountains and rainbows.

I wandered a bit of a distance from home; down the Cowboy Trail, otherwise known as Highway 22 in southern Alberta. I have to say that it is a most beautiful time of year for that drive. If you truly want to see the most scenic area of Alberta, this is place to be. There was a sprinkle of snow that looked like icing sugar on the fields. There were different shades of green grasses in the ditches. There were yellow larches amidst the poplars and evergreens. Cattle grazed on the ranch lands. The mountain tops were wearing snowy white caps. This is one of my favorite drives.

Done, done and done. My outdoor time has been spent in the backyard. No trail time for me since October 6 but that is about to change. The bluejays, juncos, and chickadees have kept me entertained while I worked. The pileated woodpecker stopped by for a visit as well. Sadly no camera at hand while I took care of my winterizing tasks.

Two cords of wood are stacked. The ice in the rain barrel was chopped up to release my pump. The garden hoses are drained and put away. I even managed to finally get the garage sorted out so I can park in it again.

The noise continues in the neighborhood. It's been so loud that it warranted wearing ear plugs. I'm hoping that the 5 inches of snow that fell didn't hamper the gas line install too much because I've just about had it with the racket and activity on my once quiet road.

I've got a few minor things to take care of but am looking forward to some outdoor time this afternoon where it is peaceful and the only thing I can hear is the crunch of snow under my boots and the birds singing.

If I were a gambler I would not be putting money on the snow melting any time soon. I think it is here to stay. There was at least 5 inches of the fluffy white stuff that fell over the past 3 days. There was a storm front in front of me and a storm front behind me as I was coming home yesterday.

There is a blanket of white on the remaining wood pile, on top of the garden hoses that I had spread out to drain and on the branches of all the shrubs. They were not ready for winter. The leaves have not fallen.

I had a few jobs on the to-do list for this week. The windows didn't get washed. The pump is still sitting in the rain barrel. Thank goodness the water is drained. One cord of wood still needs to be stacked. Oh well, I'll have to break out the parka and winter boots.

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada. I'm thankful for the wide open spaces, the trails and the forests that I get to 'play' in each week. I know there are many that can only dream of what I have right outside my back door.