It may only be the 1st of October but here in Eldora, Colorado–at nearly 9,000 feet directly below the Continental Divide–winter can and will come early.

October 1st - A snowy and windy morning in Eldora, CO. At least we have our friend Marca's wonderful Valhalla cabin to hunker down in.

This morning we awoke to fresh snow and howling winds. Believe it or not, this is already the second snow of the season for Eldorans.

However, yesterday was quite the opposite. Most of the day was warm and sunny. We took advantage of the weather, and the knowledge of an incoming winter storm, to hike up to Diamond Lake which is a glorious alpine lake beneath the Continental Divide in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area at an elevation of 11,000 feet.

A view of the Continental Divide and Arapahoe Pass on our (sunny) hike up to Diamond Lake yesterday.

The aspens are in peak color.

Diamond Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at nearly 11,000 feet just beneath the Continental Divide.

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Last updated by Karen Catchpole, CWO (Chief Writing Officer) on May 21, 2012.