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.

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...

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.

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.

Just follow Benny. He knows his way around here.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.