In early October, autumn around southwest Colorado neared peak color. My backpack was packed for an overnighter in one of my favorite aspen getaways, which would be immediately followed by a week long road trip of further aspen wanderings.

Then random disaster struck in the most mundane of circumstances. Short story short, I took a spectacular digger over my patio coffee table and broke my big toe!!! So my autumn hiking season came screeching to a halt right when it was about to really get rolling, and in the absolute dumbest possible way. 😭

So this last week or so I've been stuck limping around the house, laying on my couch, looking off into the distance at the golden mountainsides of color, watching everyone online posting their fantastic photos and raving about what a wonderful autumn it's been. I feel so stupid for slamming my toe and so regretful for squandering this short precious season in this short precious life. Such is the curse of the injured outdoor lover.

If anything, this is a reminder to always be grateful for your health when you have it! Because you sure miss it when it's gone.

Anyhow, here are a few of my "warmup" photos from some hikes before I sidelined myself.