Turning Around For the Camera

We don't have the bountiful hardwood trees here with their glorious colors in fall like the northeast has. Yet... there are still beautiful colors abounding - glorious really, if you take the time to look.

And I did.  I had to do some errands the other day, and on my way down the mountain, as I drove into the little valley by the river, I was struck by the beauty of the moment.  It was the middle of the day, with high sun, and I wondered if I would be able to catch the striking colors on camera that my eyes were seeing.  Being alone, I turned around, went back home and got my camera... have you ever done that?  My husband doesn't approve of such shenanigans... but he wasn't with me, lol!  I just had a very short window of time before I had to be back home, and so these pictures were literally taken... on the fly, and within a short distance of our home.  Lucky me!

I get to drive past this beautiful scene whenever I leave home.

Most of the time I don't want to leave my home.  But when I do... it is a treat to see this view if I do have to leave!

It is a narrow winding road, and sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm driving, and to keep my eyes on the road.

And no, I didn't take these pictures while driving, lol!

Although I have been known to drive with a camera in my hand.  This picture wasn't one of those times.  :)

But with a setting like this... getting out of the car is an absolute necessity.  I just drank in the raw beauty of the moment.

Incredible contrast of weed and sky!

I need a canoe!  I just realized that.  Or a boat.  I need a boat.  That's it!  Oh that's right, we have one, a little john boat.  I just need to convince my son to take me out in it.  Teenagers always have other more important things to do than just take their mothers out in their little john boat to take some pictures.

But I wouldn't mind catching a fish or two for dinner, if that would help settle the case.

Nah.  He's not interested.  But my goodness ! Isn't this view just amazing!

As I walked along the beach, I spotted this colorful pop of color....

 ... and this very quiet bird stoically watching me.

A more perfect picture I can't imagine than this, well... maybe it's missing a fishing rod!

My soul began to sing in praise of the Creator who created such loveliness for my heart to revel in.

How great thou art!
How great thou ART!
HOW GREAT THOU ART!

Moving on... I spotted this old red barn settled in a field amongst the backdrop of pines.

The twisty, curvy road that really required my eyes on the road and not on the scenery... but!  how could you not look?

An old barn framed by an ancient sycamore tree.

We may not have reds here... but we sure do have brilliantly warm hues of yellows, orange and green!

Do you spot the cabin hidden in the trees? What a view they must enjoy!

I stopped at the nearby dam which has been made into a lovely little park with this view.  Time was running out.  I had to be quick now.

But, I didn't want to leave.... causes leaves only last a few short days, and they are falling fast!

Abundant cascades of color framing the old bridge used by the railroad.

A short walk down the path, but I couldn't walk it all.  Home was calling, and I needed to go.

Chickens needed to be fed and the family too, yet... my heart and soul were full of the feast the Lord had prepared!

Ahh!  Some reds here after all!  Just a weed, but red anyway!

Mountains in all directions... I never tire of them!

The path down to the river gently sloped away.  I didn't follow it.

Time to turn around...

Glorious!

Trees dropping their leaves quickly now... this season doesn't last long!

But... I've captured its beautiful memories for today.  Thank you Lord! A moment in time, or a few, was all I needed.  I'm glad I turned around for the camera... aren't you?