"Snowfall in Creed"

Even at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet, a snowburst during the first days of October is not the norm. However, for Dallasites exploring this high-altitude destination, still remembering their hometown temperatures hovering in the high 90's, a sudden touch of winter was a welcome relief. Thankfully the intrepid little Texas contingent was able to enjoy lunch and the brief snowfall from a table with a view in the inviting warmth of The Mermaid Cafe in this delightful Colorado mining town.

"Just Along for the Ride"

Sometimes just "hanging" with Mom is enough of a reward, and there's always the possibility that something tasty will materialize in the form of chilled apple cider, carmel corn or candied apples. So it pays to be alert, even when a photographer intrudes on one's space as was the case with this content toddler making the rounds at an outing in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

"Hardy Stock"

When a sapling emerges from solid rock, it's destined to bloom brilliantly merely because of its effort to survive. While hiking outside Estes Park. Colorado, this phonomenon proved too compelling not to capture and to share.

"Mountain Music Man"

In spite of the look, chances are this musician didn't come down from the mountains, but he did show up to brighten up everyone's day at an early Fall outdoor market. From grilled peppers, to Native American handicrafts, to displays by local artists and craftsmen, this downtown Santa Fe festival was a splendid way to welcome the arrival of cooler weather.

"Gallery Gateway"

The entry into the lush courtyard of a Santa Fe sculpture garden, with its arches, weathered wooden door, stucco textures and floral accents proved nearly as interesting as the pieces to be found inside. Located on Canyon Road, this gallery is just one of many in this New Mexico hub of art, sculpture and Native American crafts.

"Deserted Mountain Road"

With a winding, caliche-covered road strewn with autumn leaves, why hurry? You might miss some of the most breathtaking colors you'll find as you're engulfed in the panorama of fall that only the mountain-top aspens can provide.

"Punkin Truck"

When serving up a platter of edibles, any first-rate chef will tell you, it's "Presentation, Presentation, Presentation". And this same principle obviously works for this roadside vendor in Childress, Texas as he gets travelers in the mood with some Halloween decor. Tastefully arranged in front of his roadside stand on Hiway 287 North, this enterprising merchant may not get your money, but he'll sure get your attention with his off-the-running board display of seasonal pumpkins ready to be transformed to pie filling for your holiday desserts.

"Grazing the Meadow"

Splendid snow-covered peaks, or sheer rock cliffs aren't the only photographic opportunities in Colorado. For instance, two geldings grazing in the late afternoon sun provide a pastoral setting in a meadow surrounded by towering pines and birch trees, heavy-laden with the buttergold leaves of fall.

"Mountaintop Fishing Hole"

A creek slowly flows to lower elevations, providing fly fisherman with an idyllic setting to cast before the arctic onslaught of winter, only weeks away. Photographed between Pagosa Springs and Durango, this is but one of many streams and lakes dotting the area as you wind your way through the Rockies to your eventual destination.

"Approaching Two Miles Up"

At an elevation of more than 9,500 feet above sea level, it's not hard to walk around with your head in the clouds, or even above them as is proven by this shot high in the Rockies.

"Road to Durango"

Even a rainy, fog-shrouded morning in the Rockies can't mute the fall colors of Colorado as is evidenced on this switchback to Durango. Any season is a myriad of colors and textures in the mountains, but as the fall foilage changes with winter approaching, it's an entirely new vista ready to be captured with paint brush or lens.

"Treasure Falls"

Treasure Falls, located near Pagosa Springs on the road to South Fork and Creed, Colorado provides a colorful, inspiring vista as water cascades from a mountain top down to a gathering pool, a sheer drop of more than 100 feet. From a trickling ribbon of water in the fall to a roaring onslaught of pure hydro-power during the spring thaws, this Colorado landmark is breathtaking and beautiful no matter what time of year.

"Another Day in the Rockies"

On a road trip from Pagosa Springs to Durango, every turn in the road provided another photo opportunity. In the Colorado Rockies, you'll run out of battery power or digital memory before you run out of scenery.