Floating

Underfoot

I love fall--especially the beautiful carpets beneath my feet (wet or not)

 I love the surprise pops of color that result from different types of leaves piling up

 And I loved this surprise!!  Evidently the Dandelion Committee didn't get the memo about the change in the seasons....

Along the Pathway

One of my favorite places in the fall.  This year, the electric company spoiled it by topping all the trees and ruining the line.  Oh well....I guess that means that next year they will be fuller.

Autumn Mists

I love these autumn mornings when the clouds hang low and catch in the trees on the slopes of Mt. Si.  They look as if they are wisps of smoke rising from the firey-hued trees tucked in among all the evergreens.

 

Gold Creek

ML and I decided on an expedition up to the Pass and go to Gold Creek on Saturday, and an exploratory stroll around the pond to see what we could find.  We were shocked at how low Lake Kachess is!  All the stumps in these photos are usually under water--deep enough that boats can go over them.  The boat ramps are high and dry---literally, and maybe 50-100 yards from even a hint of water.  Once the winter rains hit it will all change.

 Early morning sunlight filtered through the pines and turned a creek into a work of shining silver.

 One of my favorite little waterfalls off the side of the road still had enough water flowing to make it worth a stop, and a few spots of color left to dress it up.

 Gold Creek Loop was great.  I find it amazing, and a testament to the work of the DNR, that 30+ years ago this was a gravel pit.  Next year we are hoping to get up here while there is still some color on the trees around the lake.  Most of them had already turned and dropped.  I am a Big Lakes girl, and to me there isn't anything more gorgeous than the white sand beaches of Michigan, but.....this is pretty spectacular.  The early dusting of snow on the tops of the high peaks just added to the beauty.

 One advantage to being there early in the day is that there was frost (more on that later) and fog drifting across the surface of the pond.  Glorious!! 

Slowly Turning

I love it when I can get all the colors of the season on one tree...

 Love a rebel leaf---despite every other leaf around it changing, this leaf is remaining green...

Color at Last

The trees around here are finally showing a little fall finery.  Thank goodness we have plantings of non-native hardwoods to give us some color!  All the native big-leaf maples, which are the majority of the deciduous trees, have just turned a sickly yellow with brown spots, then brown, then dropped their leaves.  Not a pretty native fall this year.

(through the windshield, but you have to grab a shot when you can...)

 I love trees that can't seem to make up their minds what color to turn, or when to turn!

  I probably photograph this spot every year, but to me this is a quintessential fall photo.  The only thing that would make it absolutely perfect is if the leaves were dry and I could crunch my way through them. 

Be-dewed

I'm thinking that my smart phone camera isn't such a bad idea after all!

Bridge to the Island (Trail)

One of my favorite trails at the State Park is the Island Trail.  You cross over several boardwalk areas, through marshes, and bridges between small...yep...islands.  It eventually links in to both the Lost Lake Trail or the Ridge Trail.  Miles and miles of hiking bliss, all in an environment where one doesn't have to worry about being constantly on alert for bear or cougars.  I really need to get back here some year in the fall...I remember what this park was like in the fall when I was growing up, and I want to photo it when it is arrayed in all its autumn finery.  Can't you imagine these shots with the hardwoods showing off their yellows, golds, oranges, reds, burgundies, rusts?  Bliss.

On the Shore

Loved getting out hiking at the State Park (Ludington) before people were stirring.  This day, we were treated to a cloudy morning, cool and quiet.  All the rental kayaks and canoes were waiting on the beach for the day's activities.

 The next time we went, the cloud cover was much higher and it was bright and sunny as we started our hike.  The bridge in the background on the Island trail beckoned as we walked past the grounded flotilla of kayaks.  The lone blue caught my eye.

 Hmmmm....ever feel like the odd duck? 

Twin Falls

Had a dry warm Labor Day, so the family got up early and we all met up to hike Twin Falls.  We were there early enough that it was still cool, and the trail was just about deserted--at least going up.  By the time we headed back there were a LOT of people, families, dogs, etc on the trail.  Glad we went early and were able to enjoy the peace and quiet.

 

Made it to the overlook for the lower falls....

 ...and the bridge where you can see the upper falls.

 Loved this tree along the river---the root system is completely undercut by the winter water levels in the river, but it is tenacious and keeps on going.

Barns Redux

These two barns weren't in nearly as rough shape as the gem that was ready to crumble.  But, I liked the way the paint had weathered on this door....

 And this centennial barn had an intriguing shape and lovely weathered wood.  Couldn't resist getting a shot of it through the corn.  I prefer old barns that aren't topped with a metal roof, but it is getting harder and harder to find those.

Tumbling Down

Maybe not this winter, but this poor barn is only a few strong storms away from falling apart.  I love old rickety barns like this, and can only imagine the stories it could tell.

Early in the Morning...

...before the fishermen hit the lake, this is such a quiet lovely peaceful spot to sit and relax.  Ahhhh...

Pull Up A Chair and Relax

What better way to spend a summer day or evening when you have the perfect view of the water?