Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Autumn's Fading

Every day is one day closer to winter. That bone chilling, dreary time of year when I am stuck inside more than I would ever chose for myself.


Isn't that a cheery way to start a blog post? Unfortunately it is the truth. It is the truth that propels me out the door and into the world every day that it isn't raining or snowing. I want to capture as much of Autumn's fading beauty as I possibly can.


You will know by now, if you happened to read last week's curiosity post, that I have a new adventure companion. Scout, my youngest golden retriever. The week after we lost Riley and everybody had returned to college or work, Scout and I were alone. It was sad for both us being home surrounded by memories of Riley. So I decided to get us out of the house and go do some exploring. That first day we did a nice long hike, the weather was a balmy 75 degrees. Almost too hot for hiking but being the end of October I really wasn't going to complain.


We were gone a couple of hours. It was the perfect start to our exploring. A couple of days later we went on a longer trial run. I wanted to see how he would do going someplace and having to sit and wait while I took some photographs. I chose a Covered Bridge and Park a little over an hour from our house.


This park also had a great historic barn. This was where Scout's patience and sitablity was tested. He still did great, although he never wanted me too far away from him.


We had lunch at the roadside park which inspired last week's post. Then we did a little more back roads exploring and returned home. Four hours out and he still did great.

So this past week I decided we would go big and be gone for most of the day. We left the house at nine in the morning. I figured to make the day the best for him we would need to break it up with some hiking and some car riding. Our first stop was a nature preserve that is about a half hour from our house. It has nice hiking trails and a beautiful boardwalk over the water.




We worked on our selfies. We still have some work to do on these.


A little tired out now, Scout laid down on the backseat. We then set off for our destination, a road side park in New Era about an hour's drive from where we were. Once there I took the photos I needed for my story while he rooted around under the outdoor grills searching for any possible leftover delectables. Since there wasn't any place near by to get something to eat for me, we continued on with our exploring.

We found ourselves in Fremont for lunch. I knew of a nice little park next to Fremont Lake where we could eat. I stopped at Subway on our way there. It was a little chilly by the lake but we (I) was dressed for the weather. He was so happy to finally eat his lunch then he sat patiently beside me while I ate mine. I was hoping to get a few selfies while we were there, but it was a little too windy and cold to linger long.

After leaving the lake I knew the exact back roads route I wanted to take to get us back home. I had done this adventure last year and knew there was an old abandoned schoolhouse where I could stop and get some photos. I was so glad to see that it was still standing. You just never know with places like this.


I had debated about taking this shot because the light wasn't coming from the best angle, but I am so glad that I did. It is my favorite from the day.

I decided on one last stop before we went home. Eastmanville Farm which has some lovely hiking trails and some glorious red outbuildings.


After hiking those trails, Scout was plume tuckered out. Back in the car he promptly laid down on the backseat and fell asleep.

We arrived back home about four in the afternoon. A full day of it for sure. He was one tired adventure dog that night.

This week has potential for snow to be falling so I doubt we will get out, but I am hopeful for another adventure or two before the end of the year.

20 comments:

Bonnie said...

As always, I love your adventure and tour of these beautiful places that you photographed,,,, the pics are amazing, Sarah,, and your story is delightful,,,,,,thanks,,,, hope you had a good Veterans Day,,,,,

Anonymous said...

It is so nice you have several nearby destinations that will suit both you and Scout. All the places you visited had really great photo opportunities...the red barn with stone foundation really pulls on me. Enjoy the last bit of color - your blue skies are incredible! I'm actually hoping to get out more this winter for snow pictures, unlike last year where I mostly took them through the window, or my sidewalk.

Lynne said...

Commented twice and list them both . . .

Lynne said...

Not sure what is going on . . . will try again.
Really loved these photos Sarah!
The red barn with the three white doors gets a "really really" like from me!
You and Scout make a great team . . .

Sandra said...

I love that first shot framed by the window. I'm also a big fan of red-roofed barns, they're just beautiful. Doing selfies is challenging to be sure - I think I'm getting out of practice on that one! Lovely series.

Helen said...

I think you have the perfect companion for your trips and a handsome model too! I can't imagine what it would be like to have winters as you do - it's very mild here and hardly ever stops us getting out.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Beautiful images Sarah and I love the texturing it really gives a timeless look. Well done Scout he's a great companion...Still mild here windy though..

Ahayes1225 said...

Your signature barn images look wonderful. I can also see that covered bridge enhanced by your wonderful processing. Glad to see you both got out. I am hoping your weather will hold so that we can see more...

Jeanne said...

These are all so wonderful Sarah and I know that you and Scout are having a great time with these explorations! What fun. Your barn shots are just awesome

Nicki said...

That first picture is to die for and your journal of your outing with Scout (with pictures) just goes to show your talent does not lie solely in the coffeeshop. Yeah on a travel companion - perhaps your next series will be "A day with Scout".

Cathy H. said...

What a wonderful adventure! I love your discoveries! I imagine Scout loves your treks together!

Anonymous said...

It looks cold, but that's a lovely view through the window. Scout is a beauty! I love Goldens. I'm glad the two of you had this adventure and saved some of fall for the rest of us.

cheryl Crotty said...

Such beautiful photo's and the marsh ramp was really cool...we have those here also on conservation land...the dog is beautiful and warm and fuzzy...great snuggling dogs...
So glad you had a wonderful adventure and lets hope the snow doesn't fly to soon...

sweetbriardreams said...

Didn't Scout do well! As well as you. I can only do short walks with my dog now - just to the end of the road and back due to her illness, but just having that time alone with her is special and fun. I love the old barns around your way and I'm sorry, I can't wait for the snow to fall near you to show off this wonderful landscape. In the meantime, keep warm :-)

Barb said...

Scout made a great companion, and you certainly took some fabulous landscape shots. These trails you hiked are very scenic.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm proud of Scout, too! I'm so glad he's proving to be a good travel companion for you. I loved this adventure - that red barn and the old schoolhouse are my favorite shots this time.

Unknown said...

I always feel like im there with you with all your adventures. Such beautiful country you live in.

Ida said...

I know winter is such a "buzz-kill" of a season. Anyway I'm glad you got out and took Scout with you. What wonderful photos of lovely areas. I liked the old abandoned school and the red barn very much.

diane said...

What wonderful shots from a wonderful day's adventure!!!! Thanks for sharing!

Dotti said...

I see many great adventures ahead for you and Scout! This trip was a grand adventure, so much beauty to see.