Foggy Fall Morning

It’s past peak fall color, they say. This is my peak fall when the leaves crunch underfoot, the trail is decorated in a colorful mosaic, the crisp air smells of earthy, musky, decomposing leaves and the branching structure of the tree canopy is revealed.

That was my motivation to get up before the sun and drive to the river valley. It was a glorious, cool, foggy morning. I wanted to be everywhere at once. As soon as the sun crests the eastern mountain ridges, the fog will burn off in a flash.

The light will be good for another hour. There’s a river crossing where the shallow water braids over cobblestone lined by gnarly, golden cottonwoods that I have in my mind, with a moosey meadow beyond.

And yet – my gas tank is draining fast, and I am far from refueling options. I linger at the next river crossing, trying in vain to make a compelling image before retracing my tracks.

After refueling, I detour to a state park boat launch. The landscape is disappointing for photography today, but a happy dog is swimming hard after a ball, his tail rhythmically wagging the whole way. Having lost my swimming dog earlier this year, the scene tugs at my heart in a good way.

This morning filled my cup.

Get out and find your nature.

If you’re interested in purchasing or licensing any images you see here, please email me at SNewenham at exploringnaturephotos.com, and I’ll make it happen.

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