We have been busy as bees here, but thankfully, November arrives with it's own quiet rhythm offering us balance and a little time to breathe, before we are swept along into the next mad rush. The hiking trails near my house are now carpeted with gold. The ancient tree trunks are flocked with damp, velvety moss, some of them sprouting gigantic mushrooms over our heads. (This one was the size of a dinner plate!) I love the woods. There's a hushed silence that follows at our heels as we walk along. Occasionally, a small creature will shuffle through the leaves, ducking for cover at our approach. We stop to look, but never do see anything in the dense underbrush.
A woodland jay calls out an alarm as it sweeps from tree to tree, watching us, until we are out of it's range. We take the old horse trail that winds deep into the mountainside wilderness. A haze of shimmering light filters down through the tall, lacy canopy, sheltering our path. Overhead, dark clouds coast silently and then part momentarily, allowing a single golden ray of sunshine to illuminate a small patch ahead.
It's magical--a sliver of heaven, I say. My camera captures the moment. Lovely.
Gorgeous photography, as usual. Thanks for the beauty.
Posted by: DonnaJ | November 01, 2011 at 11:27 AM
As I read you blog, I felt as if I was walking along with you. Thank you for the lovely journey.
Posted by: Velma | November 01, 2011 at 11:47 AM
So beautiful! It's amazing how November walks are always so hushed and reverent...almost as though nature is anticipating the coming winter.
Posted by: Bobbi M | November 01, 2011 at 12:44 PM
what a beautiful trail...
Posted by: Angie D in Ohio | November 01, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Beautiful photos, beautiful writing. That's an amazing fungus!
Posted by: Lorrie | November 01, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Captured elegantly indeed! Gorgeous shots Vicki:)
Posted by: Sara | November 01, 2011 at 03:53 PM
I so enjoyed seeing your sliver of heaven. The leaf carpeted path through the trees is delicious.
Posted by: Vee | November 01, 2011 at 06:26 PM
What a beautiful spot!
Posted by: Cheryl (copperswife) | November 02, 2011 at 10:16 AM
That is a wonderful photo! All of them, really, are wonderful. I love mushrooms.
Posted by: Brandy | November 02, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Such beautiful photos.
Posted by: Sarada | November 04, 2011 at 03:49 AM
I love the woods too. Your photos are lovely Vicki, especially that last one.
xo
Posted by: Account Deleted | November 06, 2011 at 04:22 PM
The scene looks magical and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: colorfanatic | November 11, 2011 at 12:07 PM