Monday, October 19, 2009

UPROAD, DOWNSTREAM

Have you ever wondered whether it's some sort of cosmic joke that busy Mondays are often the prettiest days of the week?
It certainly seemed that way to me today, as I've necessarily spent practically all of it either at the desk or running errands…and of course, the weather was simply gorgeous. A couples of hours ago, however—between trips to the post office, library, and grocery—I grabbed the camera and spent a few minutes making photos. Man does not live by responsibility alone…
What drove me over the edge, or in this case, compelled me into a brief photo binge, was nothing more than a couple of views—but oh, my, what views! Spectacular even by autumn-dress standards, though I admit I may be a bit prejudiced.
The first view is of my road, about 500 yards from the cottage. My section, being on the dead-end portion, is paved but narrower, and lacks even a hint of a center divider line or guardrails along the top of the bank overlooking the river. It's also less traveled, and equally wooded. Alas, while there are plenty of leaves hereabouts, most are yellowish-brown or brownish yellow…except for those still green, or greenish-yellowish-brownish. The reason being there are lots of sycamores, hackberries, and boxelders along here, but precious few maples.
On the other hand, the second view is of the river looking immediately downstream from the cottage, which is pretty much a mix of the same three species of trees. Yup, those yellowish-brownish-greenish leaves look mighty lovely given a bit of warm evening light. Or maybe it just my prejudice showing.
Enjoy the views!

26 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Sigh...
I've had a hectic Monday and your photos are better than a footrub.
(almost)

Jain said...

Oh, I did enjoy the views! The first reminded me of the road to the tip of the Keweenaw, maybe not as colorful but every bit as canopied and undulating. That photo would make quite a jigsaw puzzle!

I hope to have the colors of your second picture soon... the reflection on the water is sooo pretty!

Raph G. Neckmann said...

Glorious! I love the enclosed feel, like a secret place!

Jenn Jilks said...

So nice to see the colour still. Ours is nearly done.

Get on those chores! I had 3 volunteer meatings this afternoon, plus visited a friend in LTC. Where does the time go?

Wanda..... said...

Very peaceful scene with the green and gold reflecting in the "still waters".

Grizz………… said...

Lynne…

And easier to transmit via the I-net!

Grizz………… said...

Jain…

The roads to Copper Harbor are canopied—but often stunning in red swamp maples. Wish I had a few here.

I ran around shooting photos yesterday and I'd say the maple peak is here and starting to fade…lots of oaks yet to turn, though. This isn't the best color year around, but better than I'd first feared. Wait until I run some of my reflection shots from yesterday, you'll like them I think.

Grizz………… said...

Raph…

That's what I liked, too—like a bright-colored magical tunnel.

Grizz………… said...

Jenn…

Got the chores done, plus made a pork roast stew early for supper, and two loaves of apple-cinnamon-walnut bread which came out of the oven about an hour ago and is already two slices gone!

Let me know if you figure out the time thing…

Grizz………… said...

Wanda…

Yes, I love reflection shots and take them everywhere at all seasons. It's hard to mess up when you have quiet pools and autumn leaves. Folks think you're really good, but all you did was point and shoot. So please don't tell anyone.

Bernie said...

Oh I loved the photo's, enjoyed the view and found this post very relaxing......:-) Hugs

Jayne said...

The road leading to your paradise is beautiful Grizz. I smiled as I read your descriptions of the road and area. It's such a blessing to be where you want to be.

Lisa said...

It's great that you can stop in middle of your busy day and take in your surroundings. So many people pass the day and not once "take in", not just look, at scene unfolding before them. Great fall photos.

Gail said...

HI GRIZZ-

Beautiful inviting pictures - and the title "The Road Less Traveled" comes to mind. :-)

I so love your world -

we are headed out soon for a drive north to Brattleboro Vermont - camera in my bag!! I am wearing 'pink Timberland boots' - cute huh? I really am a kid at heart. Taking a long some bottled water and a peanut butter sandwich to share - later we will find a quaint road side diner at which to dine - :-) our favorite CD's will soothe our minds as we escape.

You have a wonderful day too.

Love Gail
peace.......

Grizz………… said...

Bernie…

I'm glad you enjoyed my uproad, downstream views. Fall along the river is pretty.

Grizz………… said...

Jayne…

This portion of the road is really nice when the overhead limbs are all a'blaze with autumn. I am blessed to be here, I know that…truly blessed.

Grizz………… said...

Lisa…

I can stop, more or less when I want/need to…but when I say I hurried those shots, I'm talking like five minutes for each, separated by about an hour. (Road first, then river.) The tough part for me—being congenitally prone to frivolity and irresponsibility—is getting back to work when I pause. I can resist anything but temptation…

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Sounds like the perfect plan for a wonderful day. Good food, good music, good company, good country, and a good season to be traveling the autumnal byways.

Keep that camera handy!

Carolyn H said...

Griz: Monday was lovely here, too. unfortunately for me. After the awful weekend, I needed a bit more nice outdoor time than I actually got. fortunately, Sunday afternoon was decent.

lovely views on your Monday!

Carolyn H.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Scribe - that is what makes life worth living - that sneak out on a busy day to take photographs, to send them into cyberspace to cheer up all your bloggy friends. Lovely stuff - there is nothing like a bit of sunlight to bring out those autumn shades. Lovely.

Grizz………… said...

Carolyn…

Sunday here was just spectacular—as blue a sky as I've ever seen! And the color at what was probably it's peak, at least for the maples. But cold with a cold wind. Numb your fingers and frost your spine cold! I could have worn my parka and not been too hot. But…a beautiful day. Yesterday was almost as nice, and warmer. Today there are wispy clouds creating a slight overcast part of the time—and the sky is not nearly so incredibly blue. But it is now in the upper 60s. So there are compensations.

I need more time out, myself. Although, in all honesty, it's not something I ever manage to overdo…it's just not possible, in my way of thinking, to spend too much time outside poking about the woods and fields and along the creeks.

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

I've always thought a stolen apple tastes best…and stolen moments outdoors are equally sweet and appealing. Sharing the photographic evidence with my "bloggy friends" just makes them abettors to such regular misdeeds.

So…THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!

TheChicGeek said...

Oh, my, Scribe...I agree with Lynne at Hasty Brook, "sigh...better than a footrub (almost)"
I especially love the road picture...what a road to travel. And of course, the river with those colorful trees...pure heaven!

Thanks for sharing on your busy Monday!
Have a Great Week!
Kelly

Grizz………… said...

ChicGeek…

I'm sitting at my desk this very moment, gazing out the window and downstream at more or less the same view as in the photo…though with a picnic table and a Weber grill in the corner, and a number tree trunks. But all the clutter aside, it's still lovely…

I'm glad you liked the quick pix.

Rowan said...

Such beautiful photographs, the colours at this time of the year are wonderful - all my favourite shades. You don't need me to tell you how lucky you are to have all this right outside your door.

Grizz………… said...

Rowan…

The color wasn't as bright, nor did it contain so many reds, as is typical—but considering how it looked a month ago (or didn't look, as was the case) we've done remarkably well.

Yes, I know I'm lucky and blessed. And even an "ugly" autumn hereabouts is still astonishingly beautiful.