apples in the fall

Our grand plans for apple cider fell through when all our apples fell early.  But, we've manged to make the most of it with apple pie, crockpot applesauce, spiced applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting, apple cheddar crepes and we might still try to make some smaller scale cider and apple cider spiced donuts. Lots of apple love.

What's your favorite thing to make with apples?

thanks, September

Outside: 63. Rain. Apples on the tree.
Enjoying: Our seasonal favorite; the pumpkin spice latte.
On the needles: A sweater for me, with yarn from Peru.
Reading: MOL, when I'm not digging through patent claims or a medical physiology textbook.
These dogs: are loving the cooler weather, playing outside, then taking naps. It's lovely.

How's the weather where you are?  Have you seen the first signs of fall? I've been ready for it for ages; knitting on the needles, soup recipes and spiced chai just waiting.  I love this season. Thanks September. 

4th annual birthday backpack

Crestone Needle and Humbolt - #44 &45

Amazing birthday backpack weekend.  We returned to the South Colony Lakes to summit the needle, which was a beautiful class 3 hike. The sunrise as we climbed through broken hand pass was stunning.

 On the right, you can see us climbing the east gully, and on the left, the needle from the lakes, immersed in clouds.

And here's my Dad and I on the summit!

When we got back to basecamp around noon, we decided to take a risk and hike to the top of Humbolt despite the incoming weather.  We climbed through the clouds for a record 3 hour total climb, and were rewarded with a break in the weather at the summit. 

It's been a wonderful 14er season!  45/60 = 75% to completion.  Can't wait to bag some more next year!  Extra thanks to Brennan and Jodi for the awesome pictures.