I caught a glimpse of the pure yellow aspen from the road a day before. As the rain fell on my head I debated walking across the Truckee river to frame up the image the way I would like. There’s nothing better than rain for the deep color of an autumn aspen display. The first step, I could immediately feel the cold water rushing into my boot. There is something comforting when you finally make a decision and commit. It’s just nice to know there’s no going back. I carefully made my way across the river which was steadily rising from the rain. Despite my best attempts I just couldn’t frame up the contrasting yellow with the ink black basalt. I made my way back across the river defeated, with numb feet. I walked across the campground where I parked and took one look back to see the image I wanted. Then I spied a picnic table that might lift me above the bushes blocking my photograph. I climbed up onto the table, set up the tripod and attached a telephoto. One look into my view finder gave me my image. Nature has a way making you pay for your bliss with sweat, and patience. Or sometimes cold, wet, numb feet.