Time rushing by, as it tends to, we’ve been making an effort to keep ahead of Fall, having all too often failed to visit any number of places when the leaves were at their peak.
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So a few days ago we went in search of Hidden Valley.
Grant had discovered it while driving with our neighbour and the first time he took me, he drove straight there. This time – we took a circuitous route.
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Along many lanes of dappled sunlight.
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While it is only mid-September, the leaves began changing very early this year, so as we drove along I watched for the usual splashes of bright reds and orange that we always see.
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Perhaps it was partly the time of day and the absence of cloud to break harsh light, but when those colours appeared, they seemed watery.
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The more familiar Fall colours may yet develop though many leaves are falling already.
It is never the less a time to be enjoyed and the new look has its own charm.
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Robert Frost’s “silent, dark, deep woods”?
His poem always comes to mind during these drives.
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Some of the woods are less dark.
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And there’s every aspect in between.
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In places it’s like traversing a tunnel.
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Then, quite suddenly, broad daylight.
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The valley, when we found it, looked dry, dusty and rather brown, but the hill was also still quite green. We’ll check it out again in ten days or so.
Next time I think we’ll remember the way.
Some nice early changes visible in the leaf colours. They have started to fall here, mainly because of incredibly strong winds over the last few days. I was kept awake by the wind until past 3am, worried that a big tree branch might fall onto the house. That wind has calmed down a lot during today, but it is still ‘breezy’.
Best wishes, Pete.
As someone who are particular fond of trees, this is a lovely post to read. That hill, partially adorned in autumn colours, is particularly beautiful. I also like the photo where it looks like you are driving through a tunnel of trees – thank you for the ride!
Anywhere with many trees is always beautiful, Carolyn. Add a bit of sunshine, and it’s even more like paradise! With the autumn bringing more color, we will see of your excellent photos!
Joanna
Lovely! Our daughter used to call the tunnel-type overhangs “curtains” and always loved to drive under them!
Fabulous photos of the woods. You’re rushing towards winter while we’re rushing towards a hot, sticky summer and hopefully not too many cyclones this year.