Thursday, October 27, 2011

Autumn Burned Brightly

"Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees." ~ Faith Baldwin

Psssst.. wake up! It's time for a morning walk in the woods. I know it's chilly and damp in here, and it feels so nice to stay under the blanket but hear me out.


hurry sunrise
I glanced out of the cottage window just now, and though the sky is heavy with grey clouds, I think the sun is considering making an appearance. The trees across the lake don't look very autumn-like, do they? But just wait until that break in the clouds allows the sun to streak through from behind us...



sunkissed
Ahhh.. I see you're scrambling to get your hiking shoes on. Grab a coffee on your way out. You'll need it to keep warm.



outhouse2
No doubt, you'll need to make a quick stop here, first. There's so many of you who are suddenly waking up to this autumn day. Good thing it's a two-seater.




country road
Just follow Benny. He knows his way around here.




sprig
Did you see this sprig of colourful leaves hit me on the head just now? You couldn't get more freshly-fallen than that.




marsh
About a half mile down the road, we come upon this lovely marsh. Let's just have a look from here and then continue along the main road.




badgers burn
On our left, you can see the famous Badger's Burn. Famous for what? I don't know but I think it's a clever use of a rusted old chair.




filtered sunlight
I love how the sunlight filters through the trees. See that dash of white up ahead? It's just Benny making sure we're still with him.




rocky
The moss-covered rocks always catch my eye while out walking this road.





the road home
That coffee is beginning to remind me that we should head back about now. Benny is already making his way home. I think he might have heard a distant gunshot - it's hunting season around here. I can't imagine that anything short of starvation would motivate me to shoot a deer with anything but my camera. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on me the morning we saw two does directly in front of the car on the road to town. They were there again a couple of hours later when we returned. I grabbed my camera at that time and walked over to where they had been. Alas, a photograph was not meant to be had but the mental snapshot will stay with me forever.





back home
And here we are back at the cottage. Ladies, the outhouse is to your right if you need it. Of course there are facilities indoors, as well. You guys can't fool me - I saw each one of you sneak off into the woods for a moment.

Thanks for joining me on a country morning walk. Time to cook up a hearty breakfast.

Of course, I'm not still at the cottage. There's no internet connection there but I thought I'd revisit via a few photographs, and bring you along with me. I hope you enjoyed your morning hike.

85 comments:

Sueann said...

I loved my morning walk with you. The photos were amazing
I am now heading back for that second cup of coffee.
Hugs
SueAnn

Friko said...

I'd spend as much time as possible there too, I don't blame you at all for preferring a paradise of your own to city life.

And thanks for letting me use your loo.

Steve Gravano said...

You always do a splendid job seeing the morning light. Enjoy breakfast.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Can't imagine a better way to start the day. Incredible photos Hilary - love the contrast of the first two!

DJan said...

This was such a wonderful morning walk. I love your pictures, but I especially love Benny. He warms my heart. Thanks for the early wakeup call.

CiCi said...

I will use the one inside if you please. And I take my coffee black. It does feel like we were all on a nature walk.

Brian Miller said...

wow...yes i would get up....lovely walk...you even frame the out house into a nice pic...smiles.

Out on the prairie said...

Very beautiful area, I would love to visit there.

Suldog said...

The foliage is, of course, beautiful (stunning, even, in the shot across the lake) but I am particularly drawn to the shot of the mossy rocks. I remember many a joyous day climbing over such fun obstacles on visits to relatives who did not live in the cement-and-iron Boston proper.

Indrani said...

The fall gives such wonderful photo opportunity! Lovely pics.

Kat said...

Beautiful! Thank you for taking us with you. :)

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous post!

~sigh~

I love autumn!

Elizabeth Grimes said...

Enjoyed my walk with coffee. Soooooo beautiful! No wonder you're so inspired to create such lovely posts all the time!

Wanda..... said...

The hike was invigorationg, the conversation pleasant and the coffee perfect!

Reena said...

Oh, HIlary, this is such a beautiful place! I totally could spend all my time there ... well, that is, there would have to be an internet! Really, though, just gorgeous!

Tabor said...

Such great photographs. You live in a beautiful place!

Anyes said...

A two-seater outhouse? Now that's intimate ;-)

I love your walk in the woods Hilary, I'll have to go and venture in the forest nearby too. I could hear the ruffling leaves as we walked. Thank you

JC said...

So enjoyed the walk with you this morning. Now I'm ready to work. Have a wonderful day.

Nancy said...

This was the perfect walk on a cool autumn morning! Thank you so much for your beautiful photos and your beautiful view of life. What a treat. Now that I've had my walk it's time for breakfast. :-)

Bossy Betty said...

OK, OK, I WAS reluctant to get out of bed and come with you, but I am so glad I did! Wonderful shots!! Now where's my breakfast?

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Lovely walk, fantastic scenes, I'll stop at the facilities and then join you at the table. Can I help with anything? Oma Linda

Bob Bushell said...

I certainly did enjoyed it, autumn colours. Thanks Hilary.

ellen abbott said...

so beautiful and serene. It makes me miss the woods. How on earth did I end up in a farming community?

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

The woods are so beautiful. I can hear the leaves under my feet and smell the fresh Autumn air.

Clare Dunn said...

Love the leaves that fell on your head!
Thanks for taking me along today...
xoxoxo, cd

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

For me, my mental snapshots are often my best. But not for you. You capture things so well with your camera that it couldn't possibly be better in the mental snapshot. The before and after shot of the sun hitting that bank of trees is just amazing. What a beautiful place. No wonder you and Frank spend so much time there.

lime said...

breathtaking shots of my favorite season. just gorgeous.

L. D. said...

These are some beautiful fall days. The colors are really wonderful.

messymimi said...

Thanks for the walk -- good exercise, and food for the soul in the sights!

TexWisGirl said...

a great big "ahhhh" from Texas to you for sharing this walk with Benny this morning!

Unknown said...

Hilary: This particular collection of photographs reminded me so much about how rushed we are in society that we don't take the time to stop and take in wonders like this trail. Thank you again, dear friend, for your visit to Trevor. You are blessed with a loving heart and I'm very grateful! :)

Daryl said...

Lovely foliage .. makes up for the damp

Mage said...

Gosh....so beautiful. My camera is back in the shop and, as always, I have hope. Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Wow wow and more wow! These photos of autumn and breathtaking and delicious!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Burrrrr, I'm so happy I grabbed a jacket to tag along!!!

Your photos are just brilliant sweetie. I especially love the one off the water where the sun lights up the trees.

God bless ya and have an awesome day!!! :o)

Karen said...

Hilary, I want to visit and see first hand all that lovely area. (Uh, except for the outhouse-a two-seater??) The sun on the hills and lake is wonderful. Those chairs beacon me with that coffee. I'll be right over.

Liz Mays said...

The golden leaf strewn pathway just warmed my heart so much. Beautiful!

sage said...

Oh how beautiful!

Josh said...

Oh. My. Gosh.

You live in my dream Retirement House.

Holy Holy moly.

Congratulations, lol.

Ruth Hiebert said...

That was a most invigorating morning walk,even though I took it in the afternoon. Breakfast sounds pretty good,too. The scenery is spectacular.

Frank Baron said...

I had to rub my eyes. Couldn't figure if it was live or Memorex. Lovely shots, all-round.

Seems like yesterday.... :)

Anvilcloud said...

Thanks for the stroll.

Maggie May said...

What magnificent colours. Really stunning.
A two seater outdoor loo! Takes me back to my childhood holidays. There was a stench went with it though.
Would be illegal today!
Maggie x

Nuts in May

Red said...

Really very colorful. A prairie boy like me really appreciates the color.Well Done! some day I will make it to Ontario in the fall.

yaya said...

Such a beautiful walk! The trees were worth the wait for the sun! I could almost smell the leaves and hear the lake water hitting the shore. Thanks for invite!

Kerri Farley said...

I loved going on this walk with you! Fantastic autumn images!

Rosaria Williams said...

Best time of the day to take in such beautiful vista.
Gorgeous!

SandyCarlson said...

Goodness, these are gorgeous. The change of light and color is amazing. Thanks, Hilary!

Hilary said...

Beautiful, beautiful. Is it a long drive from where you live??? If it wasn't, I would be there all the time.

Wendy said...

Well that was fun, but now I'll need a refill of coffee. LOL!

Great photos and walk, Hilary. Those moss-covered rocks remind me of ancient giant tortoises (if there is such a thing).

Anonymous said...

...And I'm so glad you did! What a wonderful walk. Thank you for waking me up for it!

Barb said...

The cabin is in a perfect spot to enjoy the sights and smells of fall. Walking with you, I liked hearing the breeze in the trees and watching the leaves floating down. (I sometimes miss all the different varieties of deciduous trees here at altitude.)That winding road is perfect, too. I like the photo of the outhouse, but I think I'll opt for the indoor plumbing!

Rajesh said...

Very cool early morning shots.

Hilary said...

• SueAnn, there's a bottomless coffee pot in the kitchen. Please help yourself. Thanks for joining me. :)

• Friko, I have no doubt you'd prefer this setting to my usual cityscape. I like the idea of enjoying both worlds to one degree or another. Thanks for walking with me. :)

• Steve, thank you so much for such kind words. :)

• Bonnie, thanks kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

• DJan, thank you. Benny sure is a fun part of our days. I'm glad you joined us. :)

• TB, your choice, of course. I hope you'll stay for breakfast too. :)

• Brian, thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the walk. Worth waking up for, eh? ;)

• Steve, let me know if you're ever in Ontario. :)

• Suldog, your comment reminded me of one particular rock I used to play on as a child where we spent our summers north of Montreal. It was kind of shaped like the Prudential rock and it was huge. I would climb along the slope to the top and carefully make my way back down again. Years later, I returned to that rock as an adult, with kids of my own. I was quite stunned to see that I was a bit taller than it was at its peak. My memories told me that it was at least three times that height. Thanks for the memory. :)

• Indrani, thank you kindly. :)

• Kat, thanks for joining me. :)

• Susan, thanks so much. It's a beauty of a season. :)

• Elizabeth, thanks for such kind words. Have another cup! ;)

• Wanda, I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

• Reena, there's going to have to be internet wherever I go, too. I'd be lost without it for more than a couple of weeks. What would I do with my photos? ;)

• Tabor, thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Anyes, it's an intimacy I can do without. I'm glad my photos inspired you to take a walk of your own. Enjoy it. :)

• JC, so good to see you return to blogging. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Nancy, thanks so much for such kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the walk. I'll get the skillet ready for brekkie :)

• Betty, I knew you were going to give me a hard time about getting up. I even had to hold that cup of coffee under your nose and everything. I'm glad you finally emerged to join us. Breakfast is coming right up! ;)

• Linda, you're so helpful. I'll leave you in charge of getting the bread toasted and stacked if that's okay with you? Thanks so much for your always kind words. :)

• Bob, I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for joining me. :)

• Ellen, you must not have travelled far enough north.. or something. But your area looks quite beautiful to me. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Welcome, Denise and thanks for joining me on this walk. It's always nice to see a new face in the group. :)

• Claire, thanks so much for joining me. :)

• Linda, I was so lucky to get up and scramble outside to snap those two shots. I could just see it coming because of the cloud formation.. it was sweeping across the shore from left to right.. very slowly. I was in the right place at the right time. Thanks so much for your always-kind words, my friend. :)

• Thank you kindly, Lime. :)

Hilary said...

• Thanks so much, Larry. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Thanks for joining me, MessyMimi. :)

• TexWisGirl, thanks for coming along. I'm glad you enjoyed the walk.. and Benny. :)

• Michael, thanks so much for your very kind words. They and you are so appreciated. :)

• Daryl, it does indeed. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Mage, thank you. I sure hope that camera is back in good working order again soon. :)

• Thanks so much, LadyFi. Breathe deep and enjoy. :)

• Nezzy, you're too kind. Thank you for such alway-lovely comments. :)

• Karen, I'll keep the coffee on and the breakfast warm. It's always great to have good company. :)

• Thanks, Blueviolet. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Thank you, Sage. :)

• Josh, I don't live there but we do visit often in the spring through autumn. I'm glad you enjoyed the visit but you're way too young to be thinking about retirement. ;)

• Thanks, Ruth. It's always morning for my blog walks and breakfast is always ready and waiting for you. Please return anytime. :)

• Frank, it just about was yesterday. And tomorrow. :)

• Thanks for joining me, AC. :)

• Maggie May, what would be illegal - the two-seater or the stench? ;) Thanks for your kind words. :)

• Red, I'm sure you'd enjoy it very much and hope you can manage it one day. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks for joining me, Yaya. You've touched on something I just can't show in this blog - the incredible smell of the woods. Maybe one day there'll be a smell-o-vision feature to cameras and blogs. Thanks for your always kind words. :)

• Kerry, thank you. I'm glad you joined me. :)

• Rosaria, thank you. It's been a colourful season. :)

• Thank YOU, Sandy. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Hilary, thank you. It takes us about 3 and a half hours to get there from Frank's place (add an hour to that from mine). That's with three stops for groceries, worms and alcohol as we get near to the cottage. It's not winterized so we limit our visits to spring through autumn. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Wendy, there's a never-ending pot of coffee waiting for you at all times. You're quite right about those rocks.. you've got a creative eye. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)

• Barbara, I'm glad you weren't all resistant like Bossy Betty. She took quite a few nudges until she lugged herself out of bed. She could learn from you. ;)

• Barb, thanks so much for your kind words. I don't blame you one bit for opting for indoors. It's much warmer and less odiferous. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. :)

• Rajesh, thank you kindly. :)

photoioannina said...

Very beautiful autumn images!

Anonymous said...

A lovely walk indeed! Thanks for waking me up. :)
Please tell me there is more coffee ready. I'll meet you in the cabin as soon as I've stopped off at the outhouse. ;)

Gary's third pottery blog said...

OH wow, just gorgeous :)

Leah J. Utas said...

I love the walk in the woods.

Gail Dixon said...

For my first post this morning, this was quite refreshing! Beautiful area. Love the autumn leaves and the soft light. Thank you! Hope you have a great weekend!

Betty Manousos said...

thanks for taking me along on this delightful morning walk.

autumn colours are so lovely and i LOVE your autumn pictures!

Josh said...

"Josh ... you're way too young to be thinking about retirement. ;)"

What! You can NEVER be too young to think about retirement.

In fact, how much do you want for your getaway?

I might be able afford it in about 40 years :)

beth said...

we were walking at our cottage last weekend and the gunshots scared me to death. the hubby was like "no worries, they're really far away" and i was like "really. i'm dressed in brown and black and the orange vests are back at the cottage.
after that i stayed on the main paths and roads.

don't you just love the fallen leaves ??
xo

Linda said...

Autumn is certainly lovely in your neck of the woods. That second picture is amazing! I dare say autumn did burn brightly in that one.

Reb said...

Thanks for the walk Hilary. It was just beautiful and I think they are very clever using the chair for the sign.

Redbush said...

It was such a gorgeous walk, and having benny lead made it even more special.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Just treated myself to your morning walk and found it most exhilerating. Must visit much more often - very good for my constitution. Loved the photos.
Eddie x

MaggieGem said...

What a fabulous morning walk... back just in time to refill that coffee mug.

Claudya Martinez said...

Beautiful. I love those chairs out by the water.

Magia da Inês said...

°Âº♪♫
°Âº✿♪♫
º° ✿♫ ♪♫°
Olá, amiga!
O lugar é tão bonito... as fotos também... é uma pena que tem temporada de caça....coitados dos animais...
Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil°Âº♪♫
°Âº✿♪♫
º° ✿♫ ♪♫°

Lynne with an e said...

Oh, I'm late getting back from the walk, having lingered over all the sights. I'll just make quick use of the indoor facilities, thank you. Any of that breakfast left? Or did Benny get all the leftovers?

Unspoken said...

It's breathtakingly beautiful where you are, Hilary!

Dianne said...

I'd follow that little blur of white anywhere :)

I love the 2 chairs on the tip of the dock, it touches my heart

photowannabe said...

I so enjoyed my morning walk with you. The leaves, the sun poking its light through the trees, the smell of Fall in the air.
How refreshing.
Not too fond of outhouses. Guess I will have to wait till I get home.

Don said...

That second photo grabbed me!

Short Poems said...

Very beautiful area, you always do amazing shots!

Hugs
marinela

Hilary said...

• Thanks very much, Photoioannina. :)

• Thank you, Karen. There's always more coffee ready around here. A steaming cup will be waiting for you when you're done. :)

• Thank you, Gary. :)

• Thanks for joining me, Leah. :)

• Gail, thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the walk and a happy weekend to you too. :)

• Betty, I'm glad you joined me. Thanks for that. :)

• Thanks, MPM. :)

• Josh, I suppose you're right. However, the cottage is not mine to offer. ;)

• Beth, I don't blame you one bit for worrying. I would be too. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Linda, thanks so much for the kind words. :)

• Reb, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

• Thanks, Redbush. I'm glad you could join us. :)

• Eddie, good to see you. Thanks for your kind words. It was fun to have you along for our walk. :)

• Maggie, I'm glad you enjoyed. Another cup coming right up. :)

• Thank, Mami. It's one of the most beautiful spots on the planet to just sit and watch nature. :)

• Obrigado,Magia. I translated your kind words via Google. Your lovely compliment is very much appreciated.

• Louciao, there's plenty more breakfast.. a bottomless skillet. Benny only gets the occasional treat. He's not THAT spoiled .. or maybe he is. ;)

• Thank you kindly, Amy. :)

• Dianne, he makes sure we're following. If he loses sight of us because we dawdle too much, he'll come back for us. That dock is one of my favourite places to sit. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Sue, thank you kindly. No need to wait. There are also indoor facilities. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Don. I'm glad you liked it. :)

• Short Poems, thank you kindly. Much appreciated

25BAR said...

Those deck chairs look very inviting!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! Looks sooooo cold at the end of that dock! Hope you weren't sitting out there that day without a thermos of coffee next to you.

Zuzana said...

Thank you fr this magnificent walk!! I just went for a similar one yesterday and the trees are stunning here as well, although I must say these images here took my breath away. Love the two first ones.;)
Have a great Sunday my dear friend,
xoxo

larkswing said...

Ohhh, breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Love those fall shots... especially the first one with the sun streaming through the tree in a misty field... lovely.

Hilary said...

• 25BAR, they're very comfy too. ;)

• Dianne, it was pretty mild that day actually but it quickly cooled down after that. On those days when it is cool, and we're outside, we not only have a hot drink, we make sure there's a bit of something spirited in it. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Zuzana, I'm glad you could join me on this walk. Thanks always for your kind comments, my friend. You know they're very much appreciated. :)

• Lailani, thank you kindly. :)

• Madge, thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. I wish I lived by there.
Happy Halloween!

Hilary said...

Thanks very much, My 2 Pesos. Much appreciated. :)