Leaves on the Cottonwoods were just beginning to turn from shamrock green to golden yellow when I arrived at the red clay trail.

To the west, silver clouds heavy with moisture hung over the mountains, shrouding the tips of the foothills in mist. There was almost no wind, and no noise besides my breath and footsteps, and the occasional bird call. I was alone. Finally, I had some actual peace and quiet for once!

It had been a long time since I’d felt such cool air before, and I was ecstatic. Summer lasted for too damn long. I was more than ready for much colder air. Dare I say, I was ready for snow. Unfortunately, I didn’t encounter any snow that day. Instead, when I reached the clouds about halfway up the foothills, I got soaked, then cold. I wasn’t in any mortal danger. My Xterra wasn’t far below me. But, being cold and wet ruined the joy I felt, and I raced back to my heated seats before I froze to death. 

Of course, not without encountering some of my deer friends on my way back. 

Had I not been actively freezing to death, I would've crouched down to the grass and snuck up to the deer, phone in hand, to get some close-ups. However, the two does and their three fawns didn't mind me at all. I had to shout, "Hey!" to even get their attention for a second, before they all went back to scavenging the grass for lunch.

Clearly, they've gotten used to my shenanigans.