The bugs are finally down (mostly), giving way to spectacular weather and viewing without bug armor needed. Not only are the colors still fantastic (past peak), but the landscape is beautiful.
Nothing make her happier than a walk on a beautiful day, with no one else around. She romps through the woods, turning and sniffing every which way, with every new whiff of a scent.
And of course…the “neighborhood” speed limit…
Onward we move…
She waits when called, but would prefer to move at her own pace. Ever faithful
And then shows me this…
Or this…
Remnants of summer reminder, before the depths of winter cover and caress the ground.
Using old Jack Pines as markers and sentinels. Then of course, there is the drifting of sand (and massive amounts of snow), with the closeness of the lake.
Even the Bracken know it is time to rest…
As we move (with nary a bird except for the resident Red-breasted Nuthatches and Chickadee’s) time tends to slow, both of us observing.
We head back and she patiently waits for my tired bones.
And it seems others have wandered this way…
The younger are antsy, knowing they will soon sleep the winter away…
And of course, human intervention slightly taints the walk. Only slightly…look closely…
But the colors, and the living are beautiful of course.
We close the walk with colors given to us, and the stark reality of seasons.
A reminder on this beautiful day that we all move forward, grow older, wiser and hopefully more caring.
A thoroughly enjoyable walk with the dog.