Bighorn Aspens

Had planed another camping trip to the Middle Fork of Clear Creek in the mountains west of Buffalo, but snow was falling as I left Gillette on Saturday. Being prudent and not wishing to spend an uncomfortable night in the woods, I turned back.
Sunday morning was cool, the precipitation had abated and the sky began to clear from the west, perfect for photographing the mountain aspens. Generally about 40 miles from Buffalo one can see the Bighorns to the west, although the clouds remained thick over the peaks, I remained optimistic the sky would clear. Despite the green in the valley, several miles up highway 16, the snow covered the ground, and the aspens were at their golden peak. I spent the next couple hours hiking and taking photos, and whenever I got to a high vista I waited for the clouds to clear and reveal the snow-covered peaks. Eventually the sun came out, briefly, but the peaks remained obscured. At a particularly fine vista I waited and drank my thermos of hot tea, but instead of clearing, a foggy mist moved in on a bitter wind and snow began to fall, lightly at first, then it quickly changed to a furious squall. Since it was getting late, I decided to drive back and try again next weekend.
I can only hope the weather cooperates for my return and the trees maintain their brilliant autumn colors.