It is cold and rainy here in the Rockies. Most of Fall's golden aspens now litter the ground but a few leaves, kissed by by frost, cling to the branches. Those leaves are the gold of the West worth seeking out.

But the life blood of this area is water. I can't remember where I read or heard this but someone once said, "Cattle are worth killing for; but, water is worth dying for". So, I'm always thankful on these gray and rainy days.