The Nature of Things

Today was one of the most perfect Fall days.

That big orangey-yellow circle was back in the sky, and the earth was a little bit toasty.

A handful of gorgeous red leaves lay under every tree along the sidewalk, and there was that scent in the air... the sweet aroma of color. The fragrance of frost. It was fresh, it was comforting, and there was a trace of Indian Summer in the air.

It's always sad to see the first few leaves that have been shunned from their perch, sentenced to rot on the cold, wet, ground. Last year was even more sad for me.

I had missed the changing of the colors! I don't know where I was when it happened... but I saw green leaves... then I saw no leaves. The in-between stage disappeared on me. It's one of my favorite parts of fall! 

This year I caught it just in time. I recognized the signs... and I was still. I waited. And this time I didn't miss it.

Paradise Lost

End of the Summer Hike

Lindeman Lake, Chilliwack

It was a rough, long hike. Not many flat areas. Nearly half of it scrambling over piles of rocks. It was a little bit chilly, but we were warm from the effort (at least I was.)

We stopped quite a few times so I could have water and catch my breath. 

We were hungry. Somebody slept in (I won't say who... but his name rhymes with David), so we had gotten a late start. I knew my backpack contained a delicious Tim Hortons sandwich and Cookie.

Finally we reached the lake. 

It was gorgeous.

So worth the hike. 

I didn't know water could look like that.

The pictures look as if it's sunny and hot, but really, it was completely overcast. The water is really that color.

Amazing!

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~ John Muir

I don't know who this John Muir guy is, but he sure says some lovely things about nature.