Tags
hiking, Nature, oak trees, outdoors, Photo-essay, photography, river, walking
We walked to the river recently, my husband and I and our little dog Mitsy. A short hike down a canyon a few miles from our home.
I left a crumb-trail of photos, if you’d like to join us.
This is where we started. The river lies below that ridge of mountains you see in the background in the photo above.
The way winds downward and grows narrow.
Among the hollows the oak trees look so dark and wild.
Eventually the canyon opens up into a wide, grassy meadow before descending again to the river. A place to linger among the oaks.
We find a tree perfect for a child to climb or swing from . . .
. . . and places to picnic in the sun-filtered grass . . .
. . . while we admire the gracefully curving branches of the oaks, some bending so low as to touch the ground.
We watch out for the critters, spotting the tracks of deer and a mountain lion in the mud left-over from a recent rain.
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And strangely enough, we see the barefoot print of a child, judging from its size.
We cannot imagine what a child this young would be doing out here all alone in the wild. A fairy child, perhaps? Or one raised by wolves? Or the one that lies down with lions and lambs?
Soon enough we catch glimpses of the river far below the meadow. Here a ribbon of blue shows beneath a fringe of pine and oak branches.
Another glimpse, framed by falling strands of moss, shows where the river parts, passing in two strands.
Nearer now an old tree stump stands guard.
Closer still the river is almost lost among shadows and leaves.
The final steep trek winding down toward our destination.
Ah, the river, at last.
Looking to the east is a sign warning us to stay away–a military training camp lies beyond this peaceful setting.
Looking westward all is calm and still.
A stand of trees fed by the river rises straight and tall on one side of the shore . . .
. . . watching their white-barked cousins dance on the other side.
Our little dog sniffs among the leaves . . .
. . . and wades among the shallows . . .
. . . and stops to gaze upon the perfectly rounded world reflected in the still water.
Up close the river is just as pretty–a still life of rock and moss . . .
. . . lies beside the rippling water . . .
. . . while green fronds rise from the mud below.
One last drink before we head home.
The walk back is just as lovely as the way down, the path still dappled in sunlight.
I never tire of admiring the oak trees, each so unique and elegant . . .
It’s almost two lovely to leave . . . .
Related articles
- Liquid Gold (jemj47.wordpress.com)
- A River of Love is Inside of me – by Steve Beckow at Golden Age of Gaia (007blueray.wordpress.com)
Christi said:
These photos are gorgeous! I especially love the trees. 🙂
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you! They are my favorites too.
Victoria said:
Yet another sublime blogpost Deborah! So wonderful to take a walk in this beautiful countryside with you, through your eyes.
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you, Victoria. So glad you were able to join us for the walk!
Katie Checkleyk said:
Wow, beautiful! Where were these photos taken? Is that where you live? The small human footprint was eerie! And your dog is so cute! I love trees that hang low to the ground like that. Thanks for letting us share in your adventure. I feel like I took the hike myself!
deborahbrasket said:
Yes, we live nearby, near Paso Robles in California. I’m glad you enjoyed our walk.
Brenda said:
I bet it was hard for Misty to leave. I can’t recall if I told you this, but I went to school at Cal Poly. I still head to Avila Beach a couple times of years for my beach fix (and I live in San Francisco). To me there is something magical about the Central Cost. Your photo journey is a reminder I need a getaway.
deborahbrasket said:
I went to Cal Poly too! Yes, I love the Central Coast–it is magical.
Claudine G. said:
Oak trees give the impression of mystery and wisdom. I love your shots, and Mitsy must have had a grand time! I’ve never climbed or sat in a tree, but I could imagine sitting in the one you mentioned (don’t think I could swing on the branches but I could definitely sit and watch the world from that spot).
deborahbrasket said:
Yes, mystery and wisdom. Someday I’d like to write a blog just about oak trees–there is something about them that really seems to speak to so many people. Thanks so much for stoppping by and leaving your comment.
gabrielablandy said:
‘A place to linger among the oaks.’ Deborah – thanks for this beautiful journey. Doesn’t seem so bad to be stuck in doors today 😉
deborahbrasket said:
I’m glad you enjoyed walking with us!
Sandy said:
So lovely, Deborah. Thanks for bringing us along with you.
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you, Sandy.
The Writing Waters Blog said:
What a beautiful area. It could inspire walking every day.
deborahbrasket said:
Thanks for visiting. I wish I was walking every day. I so should!
patinaandcompany said:
Wow, the vegetation and climate are different than in your photos, but still they made me crave the wilderness of BC where I grew up. Just gorgeous images of nature.
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed. One of these days I’d like to get up to BC.
samrudham said:
Sounds like a lovely trek.