THREE DEERS ALONG THE TRAIL

 A few days back we headed down to where we use to own a house and lived for about 25 years.  There is a canyon where we could go behind the back yard to a trail and it was always something I enjoyed.  The trail took us to more trails in the foothills where we lived or into the canyon where if you followed it for quite a while came to a waterfall.  I was anxious to hike there again which we did. 

As we parked and headed out down a trail three deer were crossing over and I was able to get some photos. I love the way they look like they are prancing when they run.   

LAKE GREGORY COLORS

 I've been doing later walks going out about 3:30 to 4:45 or later so the sun is going over the mountains by the time I'm about  1/2 done.  I like going out at this time because most people are gone and i pass maybe one or two on the trails walking their dog and some people fishing along the shoreline.  I love the peace and quiet up here during the week.  On the weekend it's a different story.  

It gets dark here earlier than off the mountain or at the coast this time of year.  By 4:30 and especially up to 5:00 o'clock the angle of the sun is going behind the mountain.  I live on the shady side of the lake so being at my house even at 1 or 2 in the afternoon I get very little sunlight in the yard.  I sometimes wish I lived on the light side of the lake but then in summer they really get the heat where our house doesn't so much.  

I love the weeping birch tree in fall - it's yellow colors are beautiful.  I always hang by it for a few minutes and get close ups.  Up closes or far away, it's a beauty.

How is your November going?  Anybody have snow yet?  Usually by this time we have had one or two snow events.  We're still holding in the 60's during the day.

COLORS EVERYWHERE

 Our colors are still going strong.  We've been out quite a bit lately, up to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, our area, and tomorrow we will probably go to Wrightwood where we use to live before moving to these mountains and see what it is looking like over there.  

This is from yesterday over at Lake Arrowhead.  It is amazing right now.

As we walked along the shoreline I was taking photos and finally I told Mike, don't wait for me go on ahead if you want.  He did and found a perfect spot to sit which I did , as I came around the bend and saw him sitting there in the chair.  The weather was chilly to start out which I had a jacket with me but by half way through I had to take it off and enjoy the warm weather.  It's only chilly when the breezes come across  the water.   If I go out again today to find somewhere to walk I'll leave that jacket at home - it's a pain to walk around carrying a jacket and a camera.

This time last year - we had our first snow on November 7, and it stayed on the ground, at least in my yard, for a good week.  It was only a few inches but this time of year since I am on the shady side of the lake and town, we get very little sun.

WE GOT ABOUT ALMOST 2 1/2 INCHES OF RAIN IN OUR AREA

 I was happy about that.  Our lake will fill up a bit more and then once we get snow it will be even better.  

I'm trying to decide where to go on Halloween.  There are a few places in the mountains we have found where it's fun to go and walk around, see the people in their costumes and enjoy the festivities.  

Last year we went to Mt. Baldy - a different mountain town in a different mountain range and really enjoyed the day.  Most years we have gone up to Big Bear where the town really comes together to make it a fun day.  As long as the weather holds and no snow or rain comes we will head out to one of these places. 

This is a photo I took last year as we drove into the town of Mt. Baldy located in the San Gabriel Mountains.   They have such a unique little village of houses it's worth the trip just to see them.

DRIVING THROUGH ONE OF MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOODS YESTERDAY, REDLANDS, CA

 We had to go down the mountain to do our  shopping and decided to drive through the neighborhoods to see the Halloween decorations.  Redlands is popular for the Citrus Groves - and is one of my favorite places to walk when we have plenty of time down.  The fog was thick up here and on the hwy heading down so we wanted to make sure we got back up before dark and heavy fog again.  Mountain roads are scary in fog plus whenever there is moisture, even with the lightest rain rocks and boulders can fall down on the road.  It was beautiful once we got down the mountain. 

Not all of  them are decorated for Halloween but i love the houses.  My favorite house with the most comical decor are the last two photos.