Autumn has arrived

On this first day of Autumn 2012, we were on the road again.  As we drove the I-15 through Utah we could see bands of gold on the mountains.  Thus our decision to drive across the mountains to the Highway 89 by going further south and crossing over via Parowan, Brian Head, Cedar Breaks, and Duck Creek.  It was the right decision, so beautiful!

The road is narrow, steep, and twisty and it was hard to find a turn out for pictures.  I so wanted one of the aspens back lit by the sun peaking out of the clouds.  The timing, however, was off.

There were pullouts for beautiful views of the Breaks.  It is amazing how the world looks at over 10,000 feet.

The best part was the changing colors on the aspen trees.

Duck Creek Pond displayed a bit of orange.

 Duck Creek is lovely.  The area was hit hard a few years back by the bark beetle killing the pine trees.

We noticed many new evergreens filling in.

It was also a beautiful cloud day and far enough south that we had left all the smokey northern Utah air behind.  FYI, there was smokey haze until we crossed over the mountain pass south of Filmore.

I snapped this picture out the window while the car was moving on a narrow winding descent just before reaching the 89.  So glad we decided to make this change in driving plans.  FYI, it only took us 30 minutes longer than our regular route over Highway 20.