Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Quiet moments in the forest

Every day this week I have managed to visit a favorite trail and experience it anew as it reflects seasonal change. Today I walked from Benham Falls to the Slough about 7 miles West of Bend, Oregon. This section is part of a longer trail which meanders along the Deschutes River, crosses a massive lava flow, and winds in and out of pine and aspen groves. The single-track path is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and folks on horseback, yet I saw no one on this cold, gray afternoon. I stopped at this stand of bare quaking aspens and felt its solitude. It was perfectly quiet, not even a breath of wind. I loved its peaceful feeling.
On Tuesday I travel to San Diego, then visit relatives over the weekend in Chicago, and next fly off for business in Pittsburgh. I guess I will be migrating from the lanai to the rumpus room, where I will experience a vastly different ambiance emanating from this amazing house.

6 comments:

Lowell said...

So beautiful, Lee. Our eldest daughter lives in Colorado and we spent a couple weeks there last year where we took photos of aspen forest...they are delightful trees; majestic, even.

Best wishes on your journey about the country...but you'll be in Bend for another week or so, right. I think I missed something--an allusion--lanai, rumpus room, amazing house?

It could be I'm dull at this wee hour of the morning. :-)

cieldequimper said...

This may be an almost every day scene for you, but for me it's paradise. It's such a peaceful scene, no wonder you enjoyed it before travelling next week. I'll miss ya!

Unseen Rajasthan said...

Beautiful shot !! Thanks for sharing..

B SQUARED said...

Some very different places you will be visiting. Be well!

Small City Scenes said...

I love the aspen stand. We have them in EW here.

I guess you keep busy alright. bon voyage! MB

tapirgal said...

My first thoughts were of Colorado. This is definitely a reminder of the lovely aspens there. Your photo is stark and beautiful.